FRISSON OF FEAR

Frisson of fear is what happened to me as I waited for the latest biopsy results. 
Fear the antithesis of trust.

I  didn't scream out to others for prayer but I turned inward somewhat, though not exactly in a spiritual way. 

It was like a pall hanging over me---a dark pall of worry. 

Worry the antithesis of contentment & peace. (Philippians 4:6-7)*
Source of fear is NOT from the Lord. (2 Timothy 1:7)**
Discouragement can follow fear and dismay is close behind. (Isaiah 41:10)***

A bedside reminder from a dear friend and MAC mentor.

But God....in His love, mercy and great love reminded me of those truths from His Word. (Ephesians 2:4)

The biopsy was benign......but the diagnosis requires ongoing observation and treatment. Recently I had "bragged" to a friend that I now no longer had to go to doc every 6 months.
Lesson learned. No more bragging assumptions from me---I am not in control! 
"I am not in control" is a praise because I know the One who is sovereign.

Frisson of Fear be gone.

*For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

**So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

***Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with   thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

CHURCH ATTIRE

Church attire has absolutely nothing to do with the clothes you wear when you attend Sunday services. It has everything to do with the spiritual clothes believers don.

The church is the "body of Christ" and as such the spiritual wardrobe is to be worn daily. (Colossians 3:12-17)

A recent sermon by son, Buddy brought this wardrobe to mind. Click link below to listen.

Wanted Worshippers:Church Clothes January 13, 2019 

So.....don't use this blog entry as an excuse to go shopping. Rather go to your closet for the clothes of your choice----just wear them with the right attitude, especially when you join others in worship.

THE PAUSE THAT REFRESHES!

While I'm pausing to ponder this entry, you can click the link back to Thankful Thursday- Serene Sunday, 12/20/18 entry as I finally added pix.
Vintage signs take me back to "gentler times"---times at Dang-Dang's grocery in downtown Clarksville. The colorful metal bread sign that hung on the Commerce St. screen door entry---not sure if it was Colonial, Little Miss Sunshine, or Tastee Bread??? But.....as the door slammed, Dang-Dang could look up from the back meat counter and greet each customer, most by name.

More memorable than the bread sign was the Coke one that hung above the red metal coke chest where we could put our nickel in and retrieve our 6 oz, bottle of coke by dragging it to the end of the the "rails" and opening it with the bottle opener on the front. 

I would have to stand on tiptoes unless the stool was handy. Ice Cold Coca-Cola---always the "pause that refreshes." 

More later---I have to keep pausing for "life."

MY ONE WORD #3

Choose. (2017) Consider (2018) ????? (2019)

I have been mulling over my 2019 choice for My One Word since last June's "Summer Refreshment" book study. I was pretty sure "seek" was going to be the right "choice." A word of focus. A right focus. An action word. The right action. A transitive verb. A "doing" word for a "do-er".

A word for prioritizing my life. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God..." (Matthew 6:33) A word with 100 individual Bible references in multiple verses in both the Old and New Testaments.

"But God in his love and mercy".....brought another word to my attention---more than once. I gave pause to his leading. Gentle nudges. A son's sermon. Being vs Doing debate. Not one or the other but intertwined. Hubby's suggestion about my "packed" schedule. An intransitive verb---now that would be a first.
I did an acrostic on both words---many similarities found.
Put                   Set aside superfluous
Aside                Enjoy moments God gives
Unnecessary     Embrace eternal truth
Selections         Keep on keeping on
Everyday

I think I was looking for a skywriter to show me the right word. Instead God gave me 3 words to reflect on---in stone. At least painted on concrete. That seemed to seal the deal.
When one takes time to "pause" the 3 Rs come forth. one can linger long enough to relax, which brings about refreshing of both mind and soul so that she is able to refuel with God's truth and then take action. "Seeking" is a doing word. (Think transitive.)
"Pausing" is a being word for one who needs to practice "being" a be-er. Are you confused yet.

 

76 times in 3 versions of the Bible was "pause" found---all but 5 of those were in Psalms as Selah--reminds one to pause and calmly think of that. Hmmm....only 6 different verses.
I am joyful expectant to see how ow God will use this word in my life.
Decision made. Break out of the mold. Go outside the box. "Pause" for the first 1/2 of the year or until the Lord guides to transition to "seek".
Wow that's a biggie for me, a rule follower! I'm considering ('18) choosing ('17) 2 words for My One Word! YIKES!

**Remembering 2009---10 years ago today, Heard the word biopsy, as it pertained to me, for the very first time. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2019!!

RE-CONSIDER-ING 2018: A blog retrospective. Lessons encountered. Some learned. Some better than others.

Love the Hymn Front and Center for All to See

But first---starting my year with the Rose Bowl Parade. A trip to Pasadena on New Year's Day to "smell" the flowers has always been on my bucket list!