CHOOSE: CLOSURE

Closure---a sense of resolution or conclusion of an artistic work. Certainly, that's a stretch thinking my blog is an artistic work but I did want closure to these 2017 "Choose" entries.

But God..........had a an interruption in mind. So, plans of celebration were cancelled and my happy New Year "ears" remain in the "ready" position, tho not to be used this year.

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds me that God has a plan. And the last few days we have altered our plans as the Lord has directed our steps. (Proverbs 16:9) His choice for the way we would close out 2017.

CHOOSE: LESS THAN ORDINARY

Sometimes Dove "less than ordinary messages" are "spot-on," especially when they're tucked inside the "white and dark chocolate swirls" Yummy swirls, virtually impossible to find, unless one digs around for them in a mixed bag.

But....of the 9 spot-on yet, different chocolate messages I consumed, from sing aloud, solve arguments with a dance-off and quote your dad, the bookstore  one caught my fancy!

Actually go to a bookstore. Hmm-m-m-m.......Go to an actual bookstore. 

No matter how you say it, it's a "novel" idea!

So.... Today, I choose the extraordinary---a brick and mortar bookstore owned by locals!

CHOOSE: TIMELESS

Timless is a tough concept for a time compulsive one. Earlier time compulsive, blogs verify that malady as a part of my "make-up."

Ashley Bryan's clock in his Isleford, ME home.

Dear friend, Ashley Bryan tells me I need to learn to live on "island time." (John 10:10) As an Isleford, ME resident with only 20 year round neighbors, Ashley lives what he preaches, at least when he's on his island, population 65 in 2013. Since his best friend Soos died this year, I assume the population is now 64. (Psalm 90:12)

He lives well, wisely and humbly, even though he is is 94. (James 3:13)

Island time embraces "loving God supremely, serving others well" (Allen Bible Church) and living life moment by moment in His timing with a grateful heart. (Proverbs 27:1, Matthew 6:34) 

Timeless truth from an islander! (Psalm 16:11)

CHOOSE: NEARNESS

Growing up in the Methodist church in Hoptown, one tid-bit I recall is analogous with sitting near a roaring fireplace. If one doesn't feel the warmth, guess who moved away from the fire. Similarly if one doesn't feel the warmth of God's presence, guess who moved? Not God. He is Emmanuel, "God with us!"

Psalm 73:28 reminds us "it is good to be near God."

The verse continues, "I have made the Lord God my Refuge." Psalm 46:10 expands the thought giving understanding of the resulting strength that comes to one who chooses the nearness of God as a refuge. When I "move away" from that nearness, I suffer, as do others around me.

I know because I have chosen my own strength these past weeks and thus failed miserably! 

Control. Dread. Fear. Insensitivity. Ire. Irritability.  By-products of my own life when I move away from the warmth of His love,  

As a new year approaches, I hope to change my direction moving closer to Him.  May I allow that nearness of Him, to not only give me refuge but His strength as well. 

Nearness to Him is the essential for Christ-like living. 

CHOOSE: TEA-rrific TRIO

TEA-rrific trio, indeed!!!

New mug. "New to me" black tea. New Ann Voscamp book.

Such pleasures make it so easy to give thanks. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

For a tired, black tea loving, avid reader it's what was needed----a TEA-rrific trio just for me!

CHOOSE: TO CELEBRATE CHRISTmas!

They say "there's more snow up in Colorado" and Massachusetts but.....

we do have a magnificent sun rise!

A great reminder as we focus on the birth of the risen Son!

Merry Christmas from Memphis to wherever you are!

CHOOSE: TO LIGHT THE CANDLE OF LOVE FOR THE 4th SUNDAY OF ADVENT

FIRST EVANGELICAL CANDLELIGHT SERVICE 2017!

Children sharing the Greatest Love Story ever told with word and song! (John 3:16, KJV)

FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHALL NOT PERISH BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE.

A perfect way to "light" the flame of love in one's own heart....

And to pass it on---candle by candle,
into the hands of other believers.

Believers rejoicing in the One
who is the light, celebrating
His birth together!

Love and light
filling the sanctuary.

A sanctuary of God's Presence
In every heart!

Merry Christmas Eve!

CHOOSE: TO FIND THE SACRED IN THE ORDINARY

God's goodness is all around us.

Sometimes we just need to change our focus in order to see it. Even in the hard place or the ordinary. Those plain ole daily happenings. God is in every part of our lives.
In everything, He's there! (1 Corinthians 12:6)

Certainly this is the season to celebrate each and every ordinary events---remembering we are children of an extraordinary God!

Con-TEA-emporary : a NEW Brew

Newfangled---just like iBooks and audio ebooks---I try them......then I go back to my old school ways.

It's why I like to hold my Bible in my hand. Don't get me wrong, I also have a Holy Bible App, but... it's my "hard copy" Ryrie Study Bible that I most often use for careful examination of God's Word. (Acts 17:11)
I want to be like Ezra and set my heart to study God's Book (law) so that I might teach those statutes to others. (Ezra 7:10)

This year I chose to try the NLT version for reading through the Bible, though not for study. I was rewarded with new insight and am celebrating finishing the entire Bible in two more days as I'll try a new brew of tea as well.
I'll broaden my tastes----and then probably go back to my PG TIPPS loose tea and NASB next year!

CHOOSE: UNWAVERING IDENTITY

What's your ID?
Mom. Dad. Child, Spouse. Sibling. Friend. Student.
These are standards and many remain unwavering throughout one's life. Sometimes it feels as if we lose our identity as a person and just become one of our labels.

What about in the area of worship? Do we just wear the label of a denomination or religious affiliation. Christian. Jewish. Muslim. Atheist.

Is this the area of one's life where an ambiguous identity is often more visible in certain places, certain days of the week or certain positions at certain times? 

Is is visible on Sundays in a sanctuary or on Saturday in a synagogue but not as recognizable the rest of the week?

Work and worship are not separate identities for believers. Brother Lawrence showed the sacred in washing pots and pans. Even washing dishes became a blessed sacrament for him. (Practicing the Presence of God, p. 12)
Socrates asked (in the prayer from Phaedrus), "May the inward and outward man be at one." (A. Lindberg. Gift from the Sea, p. 23)

The identity that counts is Child of the King. That identity never wavers.
Beloved in Him. An ID of one who lives a life with no separation between spiritual and secular.  Richard Foster calls it, in Freedom of Simplicity, living out of the divine center. (p. 82)

Choose to identify with the LORD and do not waver. It's a lasting identity!

CHOOSE: A TUESDAY TREAT

On this day, December 19, one hundred and seventy four years ago, Charles Dickens published A Christmas Carol. So, today's choice was easy as "The Man Who Invented Christmas" was showing at the Cordova Malco.

 

For 10 + years, our  family had tickets for "A Christmas Carol" at Theatre Memphis---usually seated in the first row center of the upper section, often needing all 14 seats in row J as we invited friends to go with us. Barry Fuller had our hearts as Scrooge.

To treat ourselves today to see this year's new holiday movie about how Charles Dickens wrote "A Christmas Carol" and thereby creating a tradition was a no-brainer for us, especially when son Buddy's review was so glowing. A perfect movie for our family he said as know all the phrases and word references. He was right----we did. 

It was indeed a Tuesday Treat. According to hubby, the only thing that would have made it better would have been to have all our children in the audience with us----because those are memories we share with them! "God bless us, everyone!"

CHOOSE: MONDAY MOTTO

We've all heard the maxim, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Well, this week I don't have time in my schedule to make lemonade.

But God.....took my "lemony" thoughts in a new direction.

I don't have to "cook" anything. God used Max Lucado's words from his book, Anxious for Nothing Finding Calm in a Chaotic World. (p. 150)

I only need to remember them---no preparations needed.

LIFE STILL GIVES LEMONS. LIFE GVES LEMONS TO GOOD PEOPLE, BAD PEOPLE, OLD PEOPLE, ALL PEOPLE. 

LIFE COMES WITH LEMONS.

BUT, WE DON'T HAVE TO SUCK ON THEM. (Emphasis mine!)

Thanking the Lord for the reminder to choose a "new" Monday motto today. (1 Thessalonians 5:16, 1 Thessalonians  5:18)

CHOOSE: TO LIGHT THE "CANDLE OF HOPE" FOR THE 3rd SUNDAY OF ADVENT

This Collierville neighborhood yard sign "simply" says it all for Christians.

CHOOSE: TO HOPE

I hope to be back within a bit to finish this. "Hope" in my intro sentence is a verb meaning that I "intend, if possible, to do something."
Regardless, that was an unfulfilled expectation/hope for me. Four days is more than "a bit of time."

Earlier today, I passed a house under construction,  and I assume that the prospective owners "hope" (verb) to move in doing the Christmas season----at least that must be what they want to happen. Unsure optimism at its peak!

At night the wreath is even lit and blinks to passer-bys.
Their hope (noun) is synonymous with desired expectation. But their hope seems unlikely.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick. (Proverbs 13:12) Hopefully, (adverb) this seasonal display was more  tongue-in-cheek in cheek. Just a whimsical way for a family to exaggerate their plight!

I choose to hope they will be moved-in sooner or at least in timely manner and to be grateful for their acceptance of the delays and sharing it with us who pass by.

CHOOSE: TO SMILE---everytime you listen

Here's a gift to all who give 48 seconds to hear this Christmas Story, Asher style.
"Great" nephew Asher, was recorded 2 days before his 3rd birthday on Thanksgiving and regaled us with a truncated Luke 2:8-14!
These verses will come alive as you listen to a GREAT Christmas story. It's the RX for a happy heart which will break out into a smile.

Smiling is an involuntary reflex when you listen to Asher's Christmas Story---you have no choice. The smile is the response! It just happens for 48 seconds.

CHOOSE: TO SEW HOPE

A simple license plate speaks volumes. For this driver, it advertises her business.

But for me....it reminds me of my need to sew more hope into my life.

The tapestry of our lives is a pattern of faith, love, hate, joy, disappointments peace, panic, praise. Yet, we all continue to hope to "do better."

For Christians, sewing hope in God, into the pattern of their lives, is the right choice.
Hope, past, present and future, is promised in Scripture. He is our hope. Our faith in Him is an indication of certainty, "for in hope we have been saved." (Romans 8:24)

CHOOSE: A MAP FOR THE JOURNEY

Hubby has always dubbed me, "Ms Rand McNally" as I have such an affinity for maps. In this age, most people are GPS "driven," Not I. I prefer a good ole big fold out paper map or at least an atlas. You see, I like to "see" where I am going. The big picture. It helps me plan ahead for possibilities along the way. i.e. rest areas. Always handy for an OAB lady to know locations of closest bath rooms. Also, I don't want to miss a quaint place along the way that might not show up on the expressway/main highway driven Global Positioning Systems.

Often, I think a spiritual map would be helpful. As topographical maps explore twists and turns and note steep hills, one is able to "plan ahead." The Bible certainly gives direction for the most important destination, eternity---though not quite as clear in the daily of life. I'm sure there is a purpose in that. Too much exact info might lead to worry and dread so God wants us to focus on His presence in each of one's "present" moments. So.....He's given us direction to his heart. The Bible a map of His sovereign will. God's Positioning System.

When we reach those difficult climbs in midst of hard places---when we're struggling through those hard places, God wants us to remember He is there. (Zephaniah 3:7)

By His Spirit and through His people, (Psalm 27:13) God is there to guide us and show us the way. (Proverbs 3:6)

To those fighting their way to the "top" or other side of the bad diagnosis, grief from the death of a loved one or chosen path of a wayward child, know God never leaves or forsakes His loved ones. (Isaiah 41:10)
Find fellowship with other believers on the same side of the struggle. (1 Thessalonians 5:7)
Choose to share your "map" of the same journey with them. (2 Corinthians 1:4)

As my friend, sister in Christ and fellow MAC cancer survivor, Michèle Phoenix, says, "When you get to the "top" remember to call down to those on the way up, not to give up because the view from the top is fabulous. It's worth the climb."

CHOOSE: 3Rs

In choosing 3 Rs, I'm not talking about Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, though those Rs are crucial for the continuance of our environment. I'm not even talking about Readin', Ritin' and Rithmetic. Though education is certainly an important factor for many an individual's success in life, I'm talking about the need of our society as a whole.

We need to rise up and pray; for Repentance, for Revival, and for Renewal of basic moral fervor, tender hearts and an increased sense of caring within our communities.

Repentance--includes turning away from wicked ways (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Revival--revive hearts (Isaiah 57:15)

Renewal---renew a right spirit within (Psalm 51:10)

In a prideful culture that is all about self---self-satisfaction and instant-self gratification, the more folks who choose others over self will certainly bless our nation. An outward focus more than an inward focus certainly refreshes and restores folks around us.

WOW another calculation--repentance, revival and renewal of one's own heart = refreshment and restoration for others! A multiplication of sorts.

Not sure I will be able to attend "Prayer for Revival" group meeting at church next Monday; the beauty of the 3RS for prayer is one can choose it  at any place and anytime. 

Revival is God's arrival.........wherever we are!

CHOOSE: TOO CELEBRATE LIGHT ON THIS 2nd SUNDAY Of ADVENT

As the magi followed the great "light" that rose in the east to find the Lord, (Matthew 2:2) God's word is our light which not only leads us to Him but allows Him to lead us.

Your word is a lamp unto to my feet and a light and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105)

CHOOSE : TO DISCIPLE

Having only a bird's eye view at a recent UM basketball game, I choose to watch the monitor----that is when I didn't have an eye on one of my 5 grandboys who were with us. Interestingly enough, the ads often caught my attention more than the runaway game.

Disciple Design certainly caught my eye. The design of the ad alone spoke volumes---especially for this perfectly-sharpened pencil loving Christian.

Is there a design for a disciple? 

Allen Bible Church calls it "marks of a disciple"---marks that guide their lives individually and corporately. Their Seven Marks design are the guidepost for church members living out their mission of the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-39) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19); loving God supremely, loving others sacrificially & strategically  transforming our world with His truth.

It takes more than a little baptism water to make a disciple----it takes discipline. 

Choosing to disciple seems to go a step further by reaching out to others and coming alongside them in their walk of faith. A divine design for all.

CHOOSE: TO REMEMBER ADVENT TRADITIONS

On this "Wordsmith Wednesday" a son's words recall "Advent, Liles style" for Allen Bible Church.

HOW ARE YOU “DOING ADVENT” THIS YEAR?

If “the Ghost of Christmas Past” could take you back to the Christmas of my childhood, you would end up at 1152 Longreen Drive in Memphis.  Approaching the house, you would already hear an “awfully off-key, yet strangely uninhibited” rendition of “We Three Kings” being belted out. Peek through the dining room window, and you would see a homely Advent wreath with candles lit at the center of the table.  Around the table, you would glimpse a mom and a dad trying their best to lead 3 squirmy kids in a few minutes of reflection that we called “doing advent.” “Advent” simply means “coming.”  And we did Advent as a family to remember that Christmas is about Jesus “coming” to our world.  God had promised this “advent” of a Savior long before Jesus was born in an animal feed trough.  That’s why we would read from normally untouched parts of the Bible—like Micah and Isaiah! That’s why we did Advent at 1152 Longreen. How we did Advent was more fidget than focus…more unraveled than seamless…mostly wiggly with a smidge of worship-y!

I couldn’t sit still then, yet now I can’t shake off lessons that somehow stuck with me.  Somehow by doing Advent God did something in me. Doing Advent Liles-style circa 1986!

How will you do advent this year?  How will you prepare yourself or your family to worship Christ the newborn King?

CHOOSE: TO LOOK FOR THE BABY

Afte Lucy's question, "Where is the baby?" I have been diligent to look for a manger filled with its symbolic resident. A Nativity with a capital N.

Seeking----as to physically see the babe in the manger. 

This morning I found Him in the hallway at the Baptist Surgery Center......

....as well as outside on the northwest side of the entryway.

Spiritually my prayer is for all to choose to seek Him. As Jeremiah 29:13 reminds me, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with your whole heart." 

CHOOSE: TO CONFESS

Internet keeps dropping---now I choose to be thankful for "working" WiFi at Baptist Surgery Center this morning as I await hubby's surgery shoulder. (12/5/17)

Book Juggler. Guilty as charged.

Yes, this phrase describes me. Avid reader is a part of who I am.

Right now I have a Susan Vreeland audio book going in the car. Her "literary" fiction books are about paintings and the artist who create them. Sadly, she died suddenly at age 71 in August. 

One book is on the kitchen table.

Two new devotional books are by my prayer chair, along with All Things New, a new Bible Study book, 

Three "short" Christmas books, a gift from Jerrie, are on the end table---at "my end" of the couch.

Three children's books are on hold for me at the library because I want to read, Say Zoop (Tullet), Iggy Peck Architect, (Beaty) and Remembering Vera (Polacco) as I try to keep up with latest books of author's grands might enjoy.

Four books are stacked bedside, on the floor.  

Many books are spilling out of my bedside table.

Am I reading all of them at once? No, not all, but I usually have 3 going at once. 

Reading multiple books is my way. Some books, intense in nature, I choose not to read at night. So....while that's set aside in the PM, I might pick-up a Jan Karon type book. Plus, I almost always have a non-fiction book going---informative but not gripping.

I can only hope it keeps my mind active---sort of like exercising the "little" gray matter by juggling more than one book at a time.

CHOOSE: TO CELEBRATE THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT 2017

For Christians, Advent is a time of waiting. Waiting for the Lord. Celebrating His birth at Christmas.
After seeing the movie "Star" with two of my grands we walked through the neighborhood to see decorations.
After seeing lots of Snoopy and Grinch Christmas decorations we came upon a large Nativity tableau.

Peering into the manger, Lucy, somewhat stunned,  asked, "Where is the baby?" My response was that maybe since it wasn't Christmas yet,  they would put the baby in the manger on Christmas Day.
Recently, I mailed Lucy info to explain the way we, her daddy's family, celebrate the 4 Sundays of  "Advent," even including some carols we sing and a small gift to open----as a way of focusing on the One who is the "reason for the season." It's a way pf making the "waiting" for Christmas a little easier.

Tonight we had our first Advent with grandson, Owen. Hubby read the Isaiah 9:6 scripture, "For unto us a child is born..." I shared the story of advent and then he, as his mother had always done on the first Sunday, lit the "candle of faith." We sang , "O Come all Ye Faithful" and then he "Scrooged" the candle out and opened his gift.

What a blessing to choose to celebrate "Advent" with grandchildren.

CHOOSE: RIGHT IDENTITY

Ice breaker games are a standard at church mixers.

In years past, we would either have to share a secret that few knew about us or choose 3 words to describe us. Often, to make the game more complex, those words had to be alliterative with our name.

Dotsy (according to the group) = diligent, dutiful and determined. Ugh, I would have much preferred delightful, dainty or dazzling. Oh well.

Siri even defines me as Ditsy.

However those descriptors have changed for me through the years.

During revival times, "In Christ Alone" would have been the 3 words I most desired. (1 Corinthians 6:17)

During my cancer journey my blog readers saw me as a dancing, tea drinking, reader.

Hm-m-m.....recently, at novel. bookstore, I came across the 3 words that best described me this last week through my "fatigue" schedule.

Snack. Nap. Read. Oh well again. (My sweet friend, Susan in LA, always said my epitaph would read, "She's just down for a quick nap.")

The good news is that I can brew my strong morning cuppa identity-TEA, with extra faith protein added to carry me on and sweetened with God's grace. (Lamentations 3:23)

His child is the right identity choice for me through all my seasons. (1 John 3:1)