CHOOSE: TO CALCULATE WITH GOD

Calculation, in beginning mathematics, often includes subtraction. 

In the spiritual life it's a very important component of one's day---when used to subtract "our" additions. Our additions, which are not in right relationship with the Lord's plan for our day, need to be taken away. As my grandson would say, "two take away one is one." Spiritually we need to keep the "ones" which are God's and "take away" others. The terminology, subtract or take away or use of the minus symbol - , doesn't matter. God's formula for our lives is always the right answer. Subtraction often syncs with submission.
However, one subtraction is NEVER a component of a godly relationship.

Show me your ways, 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.(Psalm 25:4-5)

One doesn't ever subtract God from any area of life---whether ordinary and seemingly mundane or crisis. To do so, allows doubt to come in from all sides.

So...I chose to begin my day prayerfully calculating with Him---and it's a good thing I used an erasable pen!

CHOOSE: TO HEED

Pray and Obey. Pithy with a punch. It even rhymes!  A great reminder to heed.

The Lord has been revealing much to me in His word this week as I have chosen to "pray" scripture.

Now....it's up to me. Will I obey the truth I have been shown? 

Some obedience is much easier than others. But God.....wants it all.

Taking every thought captive seems to me a besetting sin. (2 Corinthians 10:5,) i.e. worry. (Philippians 4:6)

Marginalia to the rescue. Chuck Swindoll notes, from the anxiety chapter 3 of Christ at the Crossroads, reminded me:

I worry when...

ADD--- something else to my already FULL agenda

          ---my reputation/pride to a situation

          ---someone else's expectation of  me ..........& then I become angry.

I worry when I calculate without God....considering consequences of "addition without him" seems a good beginning point for lots of needed heeding.

Now, I need to choose to heed, but I think I'll just focus on inappropriate addition---that seems doable today. I certainly don't need to add frustration or anger to my life, which Swindoll sees as a result of too much addition.

CHOOSE: TO FILL HEART WITH GOOD THINGS

Choosing to fill a heart with good things boils down to filling it with truth. God's word is truth. When words pour forth from a heart filled with his word, those words are seasoned with Scripture. Think "salt." (Matthew 15:13)

Worthy Words. Words that honor His name.

The story is told of John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim's Progress, who said it was "hearing a group of women talk about the things of God and the work of God in their hearts," which brought about his own conversion. Bunyan certainly "took notes" of their words and then acted on what he heard.

Matthew 12:34 says , "For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks."

A good choice, to fill one's heart with good things because one never knows who might listening.

CHOOSE: "REAL" GOOD NEWS

These days its often hard to discern "fake" news from real news and frankly none of the news seems to be of the "good" variety!

But God....blessed my heart yesterday when I opened Sunday's Commercial Appeal business section to "GOOD" news!

Plan on heading that way soon to patronize our "new" novel.---our locally owned bookstore.

My "Dove" message sealed the deal---at least, it made me smile and enhanced the chocolate treat.

It's fun to choose "real good news" one day followed by choosing some dark chocolate a day later that reinforced my decision to "shop local." Not that I ever need too much nudging to visit a bookstore or library.

CHOOSE: PEACE WITH YOUR PAST

Don't come to your present moments encumbered with "if only" regrets from your past!

Sip a cuppa amnes-TEA with your past. Sweeten it with acceptance. 

Otherwise you might squander the "present" and never find lasting peace.

"Only in acceptance lies peace." Elisabeth Elliott, (my NIV marginalia)
I choose Christ in Me---the One who gives me peace in the present but also enables me to come to terms with my past, so that His peace might reign there as well.

CHOOSE: CHURCH FELLOWSHIP

On a recent morning "cousin" walk on Cedarwood in Nashville, I came across a bird church. 

For some reason that woodland anomaly of sorts, spoke volumes.

A quiet place. A gathering spot for the flock. A place for feeding.  A place under the cross as if they to are atune to the one who feeds the birds of the air. (Matthew 6:25)

A bird church---not unlike my own church or the church at the end of Cedarwood.

A place for God’s flock, although we’re more like stubborn sheep at times, to gather. That Monday, the Cedarwood congregation came to view the eclipse together and even invited us to join.

God’s church. A place to go and be fed. Often times it’s a place of quiet prayer. Other times, especially Wednesday nights and “fellowship Sundays,” it’s a place of “chowing down” for physical sustenance.

On Sundays, church is a place for spiritual sustenance as we come together to “feast” on God’s word and be nourished by it, just as the early church did.

Continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching  (their words came straight from God Himself) and to fellowship to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42)

For me, church is the wise choice. It nourishes me spiritually and relationally with both God and man. I know “some” folks don’t feel that way. God’s word in Hebrews 10:24-25, says, “….not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.”

I don’t want to be one of the “some” because I not only want to encourage others but I am so  blessed by the encouragement I receive as well.

I am grateful for the little bird church in the woods which reminded me to choose church!

CHOOSE: TO PRAY

Weary from travel, though all was fun, we decided to go ahead and drive home. It's just that we left about 4 hours later than we originally intended, even knowing rain was a possibility to the north of us. Factor in dismissal time at Fort Campbell and stress becomes an added factor. I wasn't even driving but when the possible rain turned into thunderstorms which deserved a numerical rating, if their was such, for ferociousness of such a storm, I noticed my shoulders were up around my ears and my hands were gripping the "chicken bar." 

Cell service was sketchy on the rural back roads but one came through from my prayer warrior, JoLynn, ending with her addition of the praying hands, emoticon.

What an encouragement to me. I had been "shooting up" panic prayers as well but her note had me calming immediately.

I felt like I received another "God Wink" when we passed this truck as we drove out of the bad weather and got closer to HOME!!!

From the back of an 18 wheeler, I was given a BIG God Wink.

Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. (Isaiah 55:6)

What a reminder that the Lord was "near" in the midst of the storm, honoring my "yes" answer to  the truck's question, "Did you pray today?" 

How grateful I am that I could say "yes" because I did choose to pray!

CHOOSE: HOMETOWN FUN, FROLICKING AND FOOD

Fun, frolicking and food in one's hometown---encompasses familiar places as well as brand new spots. 

Place of longest totality for viewing the solar eclipse was none other than Hopkinsville, KY, aka Hoptown by the residents.

A peek at the old home place---2211 So. Virginia. I puddled.

Virginia Street cousins

Ferrell's---a must stop for anyone for a good ole greasy burger.

A stop at Riverside Cemetery---more puddling, to pay respects to "The Adams Family!" You can see Mother and Daddy's graves between the columns. Pappy & Christine Young, our across the street neighbor for 50+ years, plots are still just across from the family.

Then it was on to Kelly, just north of Hopkinsville, location of the "little green men" landing place on August 21, 1955. Ah-h-h how the legend has grown.

Leaving town via 9th street we got a sackful of delicious Whistle Stop Donuts and waved good-by to the Eclipseville.

So grateful for the time to share with family and to "drive" down memory lane. How easy to give thanks when one's heart is overflowing with praise and gratitude. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

CHOOSE: LOOKING UP

Today all across our nation--from west (Oregon to east (South Carolina) people will be looking up!

My official American Paper Optics ISO 12312-2 filter glasses were ready for viewing

The most exciting part was during the complete eclipse when all around us nature came alive as if it were twilight time. (Hubby's pix is better than mine but this one was at hand.)

Birds gave off roosting sounds. Crickets and cicadas blared. Maybe they were locusts because they were so loud.

Then, the streetlight came on and a deep quiet preceded the roar of excitement that echoed up and down the streets throughout the neighborhood as folks shared their excitement of having viewed their first total solar eclipse---whoops and claps, horns honking, embracing and dancing in the street! (Ecclesiastes 3:4-5) What fun to be a part, especially with family celebrating together!

Reliabili-TEA of God's Word

God's Word---the only "real" truth one has these days! At this point in time it's hard to differentiate true news from fake news or just celebrity opinions. (John 17:17)

Grandaddy's Open Bible 11/6/1981--property of Robert Thomas Liles

There is nothing better to rely on these days than an "open" Open Bible.

His Word is the cuppa truth I'm relying on---filled with the reliabili-TEA of His Truth!

CHOOSE: THANKFUL THURSDAY

How easy it is to "choose" to be thankful when one is recipient of "reading gifts" from others. Gifts which show they know me well.

Yet, God's word reminds us to give thanks in everything---even sadness.

Sipping my cuppa gra-TEA-tude this morning has me choosing to do just that---remembering those who have passed in to eternity the past 2 weeks and to be grateful for the time I had with each of them, even though it still hurts.

CHOOSE: STRESS RELIEF

Ah-h-h-h, wouldn't it be nice just to open a bar of stress relief soap and be able to use it to "scrub" out all the anxious thoughts in your head? It can be a real war in there. Lye soap type cleaning needed----though eucalyptus spearmint sounds more soothing for this much needed palliative care.

I know, in my head, that those thoughts need to be brought captive. (2 Corinthians 10:15)

I try---I really do. 

I know that God's word says, be anxious for nothing....(Philippians 4:6)

I continually focus on filling my mind with gratitude.

Maybe that's my problem. Focus. An "incorrect focus.
Don't focus on "doing." Focus on "being"---His, no less.

Just maybe, the problem is a "heart one," for out of the heart flows the issues of the heart. (Proverbs 4:23)

CHOOSE: THE LORD OF THE DANCE AS YOUR PARTNER

CHOOSE: THE LORD OF THE DANCE AS YOUR PARTNER

Thanks to my friend, JH who sent me this picture. 

Dance, then, wherever you may be,
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he,
And I'll lead you all, wherever you may be,
And I'll lead you all in the Dance, said He.

Some verse of scripture "sing out " to me of dance positions with the Lord of the dance.

Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. (Psalm 73:23)

Even when I stumble in my life dance with Him, His words from Psalm 37:24 comfort me. 
If they stumble, they will not fall, because the Lord holds their hand. (NCV)

For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (Psalm 41:13)

Who wouldn't want to dance through life with the One who holds you close and calms your fears.

That's why I choose the "Lord of the Dance" to lead me.

CHOOSE: RSVP

I don't remember what all the fancy french words are for that acronym---I just understand what it means. In southern speak, it means just let us know whether or not you are coming.

This morning as I was checking an invite, my eyes were open to "see" more than that. To see what my widow ladies seem to invite me to do weekly, more so when homebound.

Reach Someone Very Personally. 

They are that someone and they want more than my baked goodies, phone call or card.
They want my time. They want me. In the flesh.

Isn't that what we all want from friends? Especially when we are lonely.

Today, may I do that as God leads. It is more than ministry, it's a privilege. (James 1:27)

CHOOSE: FRIDAY FUN WITH FRIENDS!!!

CHOOSE: TO PASS THE "LOVE" TEST

Most all of us know the answers to the "love' test......but it takes enact of the will to live them.

Spiritual telepathy from Katherine Abraham----the perfect LOVE card to be a title for the "test."

Deuteronomy 13:3 says that "God gives us tests." 

The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul.

LOVE TEST--Pray and proceed.

1. Do you know Jesus? The answer can be found in John 3:16 & 1 John 5:1.
2. How is your walk? Does it reflect your love of the LORD?The answer can be found in Galatians 5:16 & & Ephesians 5:8.
3. Do you worship Him and Him only?The answer can be found in Deuteronomy 5:7, Psalm 16:2 & Psalm 27:4.
4. Do you have fellowship with other believers? The answer can be found in Psalm 55:14, Acts 4:42, 1 John 1:7 & Hebrews 10:25.
5. Is all your joy in Him? The answer can be found in Nehemiah 8:10 & Psalm 16:11 & John 15:11.
6. Is the LORD your refuge? The answer can be found in Psalm 46:1, Psalm 62:8 & Psalm 91:2.
7. Is the LORD your hope? The answer can be found in  & Romans 15:13 .

Why 7 questions you ask. See what God's word says the number 7 represents.

I choose to pass the test and hope that's your choice as well.

CHOOSE: AN (ART) FORM OF WORSHIP

Nothing like falling in love with a piece of sculpture and having the one you love,  buy it for you. Add to that, the delivery by the sculptor herself (Heidi Walter) and you have the perfect anniversary gift.

"LEAN"---HEIDI WALTER,  Mixed Media Conceptual Sculptor
I wanted to create a contrast that illustrates people's posture in life, or on issues. People usually find what they are looking for. You can lean way in , or away. Some are eager to look and others, refuse. What are you looking for? 

YOU WILL SEEK ME AND FIND ME WHEN YOU SEEK ME WITH ALL YOUR HEART. (JEREMIAH 29:13)

L

Every time I walk by it, I am drawn to it in a new way. Scripture floods my mind. 

On this our 48th anniversary, I see those magnifying glasses and am grateful to share Psalm 34:3 with hubby.

MAGNIFY THE LORD WITH ME AND LET US EXALT HIS NAME FOREVER!

Sliding Rock-Brevard, NC Lucy, age 5, follows Mommy into icy plunge!

CHOOSE: SLOWING

Choosing slowing is easier for me to type than for me to do. Obviously. Busyness and slowing have been topics in several Dotsy Details blog entries.

I will slow down; set limits on my commitments and work; And make certain that those whom I love remain first in my life. 

That sounded like such a good idea when I read it. So, I brewed a cuppa intentionali-TEA and wrote "slow down" post-it notes to place throughout the house.
Then "my  plan" fell apart.
I "lost" the book before I could get citation info for the blog. I know that's a big literary publishing no-no....so a lawsuit could be in my future. I certainly don't have time for that.

I should have put a slow down post-it in my car since his afternoon I hurried through a light that went from yellow to red. I don't have court time or money for that either--if those lights still operate.
DING! Calendar reminders popped up that reminded me of pre-scheduled events. Then, 2 of the post it notes lost adhesive and "bit the dust."

So....did I give up? No. Once again I just needed to change my focus.

Seek Him first.
...make His Kingdom and righteousness your chief aim and then these things shall all be given you in addition. (Weymouth New Testament)

I choose to allow Him to choose my best schedules or pare appointments as needed,and am joyfully expectant to see how He will work this out in my life.

CHOOSE: WORTHWHILE VISUALS

Choosing what we "see" is just that----a choice. From TV and movies, to books and FB or Twitter posts. Godly wisdom and discipline are paramount in these choices.

...Set no worthless thing before your eyes; (Psalm 101:3)

Hopefully the bride and groom will long remember this visual of the last "decorated" pew in their walk down the aisle and out the door to a life as Mr. and Mrs.

May such a memory keep their married life focused on the One who is "the Rose of Sharon."

CHOOSE: FOREMOST FOR THE FIRST FRIDAY

First Friday Focus

Matthew 22:38 sums up the first and foremost of all the commandments :

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. (Matthew 22:37) 

Dr. Luke combines the greatest commandment in the law as well with "and love your neighbor as yourself" (Luke 10:27)

These words are first and foremost for keeping on your heart---on this first Friday and forever!! 

CHOOSE: TRUTH IN TREETOPS

 Coming soon--because we're back to iffy WiFi 

CHOOSE: MUSEUM MUSINGS

High Museum in Atlanta--heading 

CHOOSE: QUIET

July 31--no wifi yesterday at all---sketchy even now---will post soon, I hope!