GOSPEL MESSAGES!

Growing up in a small town, I often heard, "gospel truth" used figuratively and "nothing but the gospel truth" when used for emphasis. People weren't ashamed of the gospel. (Romans 1:16)

Some people live out the gospel.

Some people preach the gospel.

some people study the gospel.

Some people teach the gospel. 

Some people wear the gospel.

Last week on WKNO I saw the Temptations (all 5) "wearing the gospel."

Check out the "I ♡ Jesus" to right of lapel.

I love the Temptations toe-tapping Motown music and that's the gospel truth! Motown music has my all time favorite dance tunes. Hubby and I always dance to "Ain't True Proud to Beg" whenever the song plays---no matter where we are.  Just ask our kids. Even my cell # ends in 1966, the year "Ain't True Proud to Beg" was released by Motown Records. So.........imagine how excited I was to see them "wearing the gospel" on national TV.

The real undeniable. absolute, infallible gospel truth is the truth found in the well known verse,
John 3:16.
In 1 John 3:16 the gospel message includes living it out.

This is how we now what love is: Christ gave his life for us. We too, then, ought to give our lives for others! (Good News Translation)

A self-sacrificing gospel message for all believers to live out is, "give" to others. 

PAUSE IN PROCESS

Last September (2018), I considered "pause" as a being verb in my  s l o w i n g entry. 

I needed to progress in  my pausing process, which sounds oxymoronic, at best.
But.....pausing is a prerequisite for "restoration 101"!

So......in December I found a book, The Art of Rest, to read all about it and now I can't remember any profound truths I gleaned from the book---nor can I find the book. But,.....in January, I went ahead and chose "pause" as my 2019 word anyway.

I'm scribbling synonyms and antonyms on any surface (mainly journal, scratch paper and napkins)and i'm still struggling to hit the "pause" button......because my world never stops!

How grateful I am for my "beckoning Lord, who says "Come" (Matthew 11:28) and  my Shepherd who leads me beside still waters---those solitary places of quiet repose where I can pause and be refreshed as I allow Him to restore my soul. (Psalm 23:1-3)

NATIONAL NAP DAY!

Today is "National Nap Day"!

Who knew? I, and all the other consummate nappers in the nation, knew!

My friends often teased me that teaching kindergarten was my favorite assignment because 5 yr. olds have scheduled naptimes.

Baby Jack is enjoying nap time at the beach being lulled to sleep by the sounds of the ocean.

For all in our family, there is nothing quite like a "Big Water" nap.

If you don't have swooshing ocean waves to soothe you to sleep, meditate on these calming scriptures from God's word.

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. (Psalm 4:8) 

God takes care of His own even while they sleep. (Psalm 127:2, CEV) 

When you lie down you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. (Proverbs 3:24)

Ah-h-h sweet sleep.....even in the middle of the day.

SOUL FOOD ---FOR 2

There is soul food and then there is soul food. Some is even served with a kiss on the head. 

Going to check out a new place as it is Memphis Black Restaurant Week. I just hope they have butter rolls as good as Peggy's and Madea's.

Regardless of the restaurant, if I go with friend, Nora, the conversations enhance the meal. We have a background to share. We have fellowship because of our Savior and we can "taste and see" the goodness of the Lord while we nosh on neckbones, pigs feet, turkey necks or smothered pork chops and turnip greens. Soul food for two---though I admit just tasting, right off Nora's plate, some of the less familiar ones.