2021 RESET NEEDED

These days, we all need a "shot in the arm." Literally! We stand and wait for our turn for the COVID vaccine. But as we wait, let's ponder resetting our HOPE!

Type A folks can have trouble letting go of control. I know, I am a 'just in case" person trying to cover all plans in case Plan A doesn't pan out. It is not a healthy place to be. It's stressful---the one aspect of my life my stroke neurologist is trying to "temper"---don't give up on me Dr. Bhole.

In Mexico, my teammates dubbed me "girl scout" because I had packed lots of "just in case" meds, toys, snacks, etc. which I shared.

But....2020 blew "my" plans out the window. God only has a Plan A. 

Having meditated on Lamentations 3 for several days, I began to focus on verse 24.

"The Lord is my portion says my soul therefore I will hope in Him." (ESV)

His "Plan A" doesn't mean hope changes my circumstances, it reminds me who is control and in the midst of pain, suffering and uncertainty, He is with me.

Allen Bible Church's sermon closed 12/27/2020 with Dan Martin, reading the "My Hope is Built" hymn lyrics.

"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness......on Christ the solid Rock I stand," are the familiar parts of the hymn. 

Earlier that day I had the hymn whirring thru my mind and in my old Cokesbury Hymnal, (publication date unknown but cost was 30¢ for a single copy) it was on p. 24. 

I dare not trust the sweet-est frame, But wholly lean on Jesus name.....In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds with-in the veil......When all a-round me then gives way, He then is all my hope and stay! (emphasis mine)

Thanks to Edward Mote for those phrases  that jumped into my psyche and soul to help reset my hope for 2021. I'm still humming it as I seek to reset my focus each day.

BLURRS-DAY

Let's see---what day is this??????

What day is tomorrow----oh yea, Blurrsday, like every other day!

Will it be the last? At least it will be the last of 2020.

**This little rounder couldn't even make it to his crib!

WORDSMITH REFLECTIONS

It's that time again---the drawing close of one year opening up to the coming of 2021!

OED had so many words to choose from for "Word of the Year" they expanded and encompassed several as "Words of an Unprecedented Year." A restating of "unprecedented" seems all encompassing, albeit over-used to me. According to the article, the use of pandemic increased 57,000% in 2020.

WARNING--Don't multiply words without knowledge. (Job 35:16)

All of this intellectual repartee had me considering what few words (Ecclesiastes 6:11, Proverbs 10:19) defined my year with the underlying word of HOPE.......

JANUARY--Pause & Listen (before seeking)

FEBRUARY--Angst---it was a leap year and there was no February 29 in my devotional book

MARCH--New Normal (w/COVID-19)

APRIL--COVID testing--my first of 2, both negative

MAY--FOHOF (Fear Of Hurting Others Feelings--text talk hard for the aged)

JUNE--DRIVE-BY (Birthdays)

JULY--Social-distancing

AUGUST--STROKE

SEPTEMBER--Fishing

OCTOBER--Wearisome

NOVEMBER--Twosome

DECEMBER--BLURRS-DAY

Mask up, Memphis. I still want to be vigilant & hopeful in my word gathering in 2021.

SEASON'S READINGS 2020!

People are always asking, "What are you reading?" 

Usually inspirational books and cozy mysteries top my list. Quite a dichotomy.

Again, the opposite ends of the spectrum---so like me. Actually both were rereads, one from college days and one from Children's Lit workshop days.

Obviously reading is a part of all my seasons, especially during a pandemic.

BLESSING UPON BLESSING!

Grateful for Google Meet and a niece willing to set it up.....for the Adams family. (Snap. Snap.) Not all folks made it in the pix because Kentuckians were traveling, youngest ones moved too fast & 2 folks were sick. 

After discussing pandemics effects in NY, MA, TX & TN & the recent bombing in Nashville we turned to family favorites---food, haircuts, college and family jokes.

Some of pix were blurry because I was laughing.....especially when Corey came out with big hair.

For a pandemic Christmas, it was a huge blessing for me.....how grateful I am!

AMAZING GRACE

We all know that God' Grace is amazing and it's new every morning. FRESH! ABUNDANT!

His grace is full of mercies. 

His mercies never fail. They are new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

I know. This morning 's sadness had me seeking a long soak in a hot bath. Tranquility and relaxation were calling my name. I found mercy instead.

A sweet friend gave me a Musee ** Amazing Grace bath balm. The ball of bath milk dissolves from white to red. However I carefully rationed mine---using when most needed, so it would last longer. & water became pinkish for me. This morning, I used my last bit and I was SHOCKED!

Out dropped a cross!

Mercy me. What a reminder for me---God with me. He is in control. His grace is sufficient 

(2 Corinthians 12:9) & AMAZING! 

**I'm a big fan a of Philosophy's Amazing Grace fragrance in lotions and shower gels but never knew of the Musee company which also has similar fragrance. Musee bath products are handcrafted in Madison, MS. The company has a mission of restoring lives by providing dignified work for vulnerable people, primarily women in recovery, the disabled, and impoverished. WOW--a gift that blessed me and others at the same time. A gift that keeps on giving is the best kind!

ATTITUDE OF GLADITUDE

Remembering the First Noel and waiting to celebrate 2020 "Noel" as only a "twosome" for first time ever!

A reminder....gladness is a choice. Sip a cuppa glad-TEA-tude this Christmas and continue to "serve the Lord with gladness! (Psalm 100:2)

Each day, "is the day the Lord hath made"---so we will choose "to rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24, emphasis mine)

GREAT CONJUNCTION!

Tonight's the night for the "Great Conjunction" of Jupiter and Saturn. A winter solstice for our viewing.

In our city look toward the south west after sunset and before 7PM.

In our New Yorkers' city I loved the photo alluding to  the Christmas star. (Thx NBC)

Look closely! Grandson O's shot might be a little harder to see but it's legit of both planets.....as it shows what the naked eye saw in our neck of the woods.

A Great Family event seeing the Great Conjunction together!

Advent 2020

Oh Happy Day!

PONDERING PERTINENT PREPOSITIONS

Two days, ago as I awaited my hubby's outpatient cataract surgery, I opened the DTS Advent story sent by Allen Bible Church. 

It was just what I needed. Of course it was!

Dr. Charles W. Dickens, DTS Professor had me at the timely title.

"IT MIGHT BE THE BEST OF TIMES OR THE WORST OF TIMES BUT GOD IS WITH US."

Doesn't that sound like 2020!

After the title, prepositions along the line of "with-ness" theology started jumping out at me.

• WITH is more than near or close. God's people understand this "with-ness. 
• A "with-us" quality of God that is a believer's indicator OF hope FOR the future. 
• Think, "VICTORY IN JESUS" and FOR hope of survival during these difficult times.

Emmanuel, God with us is the One who gives us a future and a hope! (Colossians 1:27)

PATHWAYS TO PEACE

Not only have I continued to ponder "path" options in life. I have realized that I am seeking peace.....in a nation that these days seem to be without peace. As a "type A" planner......am I seeking God's way or mine.

Journal jottings from this morning show the path that leads to me peace. 

Its not my path but His for me---Imagine that!!!

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you aa the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

Peace is an inner treasure that all my planning cannot accomplish. 

For His path of peace in my life, I need to keep my focus on the One who is my peace. 

(His) Presence = Promise and Protection....

His Promise and Protection = Peace!

STOCKINGS WERE HUNG...................2020

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care......

.......but this year no grands will even be there!

2020 has had its restrictions! COVID has given us a Thanksgiving for two and now we prepare for a Christmas for two. 

2 is 15 too few!

Proverbs 17:6a says it well, "Grandchildren are the crown of the elderly."

Grandchildren together number 9. 

Nine stockings all in a line.

 "May you live to enjoy your grandchildren." (Psalm 128:6)

Why would you hang their stockings, some would say.......

Especially if you know they won't be coming your way?"

 A grandchild fills a space in your heart that you never knew was empty. (unknown)

The stockings may remain empty but seeing them refills my heart everyday!