TRUTH: A NEW YORK TIMES LIST

Sharing papers is a Longreen tradition---at least with my north and south neighbors. It's the way I have the Sunday "NYTimes Book Review" to peruse. It's worth the wait.

Today as I settled with my morning cuppa and the "Times," I discovered a "kid's section." Who knew! ("Tongue in cheek" Editors' note: This section is not to be read  by Grown-ups.") 

Apart from games, maps, hat making, instructions, recipes and writing contests the entire back page listed 19 "The truth is kids....."

Examples: ....kids don't let differences divide them; .....kids bring people together; kids appreciate a good story; .....kids can handle the truth.

As one who appreciates even numbers, I would have added----Kids must know truth in order to handle the truth accurately as #20! (2 Timothy 2:15)

The sum of God's Word is truth. (Psalm 119:160) It all adds up and would be a worthy addition to the NYTimes truth list.

FUNCTIONAL AGING (A.M.A.P.)

At our church, the LLL or Triple Ls are the ones whose class members would all check the last box on the age information-----above 65! Chronologically aging.

Functional aging is physical and out of our control. Attitudinal aging is a choice.

I'm wondering if checking that last box for some years now should have been an alliterative reminder for me---one who, too often, languishes in lethargy or lapse into anxiety.

Lethargy looms.  Lethargy lingers. Lethargy lessens.
Anxiety accelerates. Anxiety agitates. Anxiety adds angst.

Lethargy and anxiety are on opposite ends of a dysfunctional spectrum, but both are disturbances in a healthy relational life. Think sluggish vs wired!

Attitudinal lethargy and anxiety have their root in our thought life.
It's a mind battle. It's our "thoughts" which need positive intervention.
A.M.A.P. ---As Much As Possible.

I need A.M.A.P. of God's word in my thought life to be "transformed by the renewing of my mind." (Romans 12:2) I need to apply Philippians 4:8 as I capture thoughts at the entry level. and "think on these things."
True. Honest. Just. Pure. Lovely. Admirable.
Meditating on these truths will "please my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)

Functionally.....A relaxed (not sluggish) attitude lengthens a man’s life.  (Proverbs 14:30, TLB) and a cheerful heart is good medicine.  (Proverbs 17:22).....
......RX = daily dose ASAP of a cheerful heart. A.M.A.P.

SATURDAY SUPPERS!

Saturday suppers make me smile, at least this one did. 

"Is supper the same as dinner?" she asked. "Yes, but tonight's supper is going to be breakfast!" I answered.
How's that for confusing a young mind!
Sweet friend Nancy (1Thessalonians 5:24*), a true helper of the fatherless (Psalm 10:14**) is in the process of loving and caring for 3 extraordinary kids as they all await final adoption.
When N had to go for overnight testing at LeBonheur  hospital,Larry and I had the privilege of a "semi" slumber party with the other 2.
Thus, the breakfast for dinner, as they are limited to "soft" foods.
So.....eggs and pancakes became dinner and PopPop babysat M's babydoll, Sarah.

Pancakes with a twist. Squiggle pancakes, a Liles tradition.

M & M got to take a hand at cooking them....

....and "showing off" their culinary skills.

All enjoyed EATING breakfast in the PM......

.....and a good time was had by all at our chilly Saturday Supper/Dinner.

* For the God who calls you is faithful, and He can be trusted. (! Thessalonians 5:24)

**But God....you are the helper of the fatherless. (Psalm 10:14)

NEED A BREAK.....or at LEAST A PAUSE?!

Our culture is always telling us we do....need a break, that is. We even deserve it. Just ask McDonalds. My favorite breaks include reading and crossword puzzles, especially USA Today ones. (

Today my "break" is to be a time of pondering, a PAUSE,
A focus on meditation with my marginalia quotes from previous weeks.

Putting
Aside
Unnecessary
Sidelines to
Embrace meditation

• God is always doing more than I know. (Romans)
• God is builder of all things. (Hebrews 3:4)
• Gospel, a victory announcement, is our fuel and motivation. (Romans 1-3)
• Unrighteous and self-righteousness are both sins,
• Gospel is a spoken message. (Romans 10:13)
• If I abide, He will reside. (John 15)
• It's never too dark for God's light to penetrate. (No one is ever beyond His reach.)
• Jesus changes everything. (Hebrews)
• Mercy matters! (Luke 6:36)
• Worship follows belief. (John 9:38)

MEIDTATION, combined with scripture, MATTERS---it's a refreshing pause!