SO LONG! FAREWELL!!

MONARCH MOUNTAIN!

TWO FOR THE ROAD!

My morning cuppa with hubby's coffee gave us a jump start to our day.

Our last 11 days have been a labor of love coupled with ups and downs. It has certainly helped to have hubby be a part pf it. (Ecclesiastes 4:9) Yesterday as we headed up to Monarch Mountain to watch our Texans ski---as if we could actually spot them on the slopes & have lunch.  

We encountered new experiences that were better done as a pair. Snowy parking lot and steep, slick stairs to the lodge area.

Two are better than one....If either of them falls down.one can help the other up. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES: AN ADDENDUM

OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES: AN ADDENDUM

Identifying incorrectly the one whose birthday Christmas was as... "Me," Jack, with Mommy's finger pointing to the manger hint---

Jack replied. "Baby God!"

He's right; it was the Lord who laid down his sweet head.

Then he went out to the porch to swing in the mountain air and sang over and over to his fuzzy puppies...     

Frosty the snowman  

he was a jolly happy dude

.....the only 2 lines of Frosty the Snowman that he knew...with his own "dude" substitution.

My prayer is that by whatever name Jack calls Him; baby Jesus, Lord Jesus or baby God, He will be near, close by forever and  "bless all the dear children in His tender care"

GOD'S LOVE! GOD'S GIFT!

GOD'S LOVE! 

God's Gift. The time came. Good news brought.

Praises. Wonder. Thanks. Love.

Keep yourselves in the love of God......(Jude 1:21)

Tea in hand, I read Margie's card again and again.  Then, I picked up hubby's Bible and read more good news.

The Savior, the Messiah came. (Luke 2:11)

The Son of Man will come again.....in glory! (Luke 21:27)

ALL IS CALM!

Calm!

These days is "calm" used much any more in our multi tasking society?

Do we know how to be still?

Be still before the Lord?? (Psalm 46:10)

In today's terms, is this God's way of encouraging us in our time of worry, busyness and anxious thoughts? "Relax. I got this." (Psalm 94:19)

His consolations certainly can bring "bright" to our lives and delight to our souls.!

JOY! JOY!! JOY!!!

JOY to the World! How about JOY in the world!

Where does JOY begin? Years ago I learned that true JOY begins with Jesus. The Lord is our cup of blessing as He is always with us. JOY continues as we serve others well...as God loves us, by putting others before self. Self is last in the recipe for JOY. True JOY comes to us as we put Jesus and others first.

This acrostic has helped me remember that.

Jesus

Others

  Yourself

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11)

NATIVITY!

Nativity aka creche. A tableau representing the scene of Jesus Christ's birth. Jeannie Jones and Karen Martin did an exquisite nativity tablescape that caught my attention.

During Christmas these displays open our hearts and bring brightness to our inner being! 

Years ago nativity scenes could be found in community spaces, on courthouse lawns and even on floats in annual parades. In 2022 the few seen are often on lawns of the town churches. "O Come let us Adore him" ring from the mouths of carolers as they took the old familiar carols to doorsteps in the neighborhoods.

Yet, there is a remnant who continue to "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness." (1 Chronicles 16:29)

BEST GIFT EVER!

We spend time and money searching for the perfect Christmas gift.

We fret. We fume--often for naught.

Immanuel--God with us.

For the best gift, share Jesus.

He's the true gift. The "best yet."

He keeps on giving.

ANSWERED PRAYER!

No prayer is too small or insignificant to be heard and answered by God.

Some are answered immediately.

Sometimes we must wait. 

Others are not quite the answer we had sought.

There's an answered prayer here. Look closely!*

It's only significant to me. Hubby knew so he searched. He found it yesterday. It was after I accepted the loss. Acceptance. Then Gad answered  It was like a "trust" lesson.

Call unto me and I will answer thee and shew thee great and might things which thou knowest not. (Jeremiah 33:3, KJV)

When our prayers align with God's will (Thy will be done.) and purpose He always answers for our good and His glory. 

*Look carefully in the top right rectangle & it's in the lower left corner of that rectangle.

N.O.T.E.

N.O.T.E. An acrostic follow-up as I pay attention and consider His ways.

Studying God's Word is more than a "plop and drop" experience. Although at times I have done that as well. God can always meet me right where I am. 

When really studying God's word and searching and finding a  scripture for further understanding.....I read, mark, sometimes highlight, chew on it and inwardly digest it (Jeremiah 15:16) 

I need to read through a scripture for context. Prayer follows and continues. I notice words or phrases jumping out. I observe around me ways God is leading me; I talk to the Lord. I embrace and respond accordingly. 

Notice

Observe

Talk

Embrace glory (Joyce Ann Evans) as we respond to what God has taught us

To God be the glory as I take n.o.t.e. and live it out.

SUNRISE SUNSET!

Sunrise. Sunset. 

Many theater goers recall those words from "Fiddler on the Roof." It's an analogy of time flying by as the fiddler watches his children grow.

As we age, time seems to fly by for us as well. We know the importance of celebrating our moments. Making the most of the time we have with the ones we love most. 

Where is the LORD in that hierarchy of our affections? Do we begin and end each day focusing on him?

From the rising of the sun to its setting, 

the name of the LORD is to be praised. (Psalm 113:3

This Texas sunset reflects His grandeur.

TAKE NOTE!

Take note.

Pay Attention.

....Love one another as I have loved you. (John 15:12b)

 Words preceding John 15:12b let the reader know this is a command of God.

One should not only pay attention and take note......but also heed.

Heeding is the act of obedience which is key for all of God's commands.

Take note....Loving one another is a privilege!

PEACE NEEDED

Peace is always needed for a healthy life but it seems to be needed even more as Christmas approaches. And so I pray---peace for others!

(Picture hanging in Chatios Memorial Chapel, The Cove 2013)

Today I prayed Numbers 6:26 for a squad of others!

the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. (ESV)

For more meditating on that one verse, consider the AMP version.

The LORD lift up His countenance (face) 

upon you (with divine approval, 

And give you peace (a tranquil heart and life)

Peace, offered from God's Word,  feels good no matter which version you consider.

P.E.A.C.E.

P.E.A.C.E.

Acrostics to help us remember. Used often by me for self and others

Pray.

Enjoy. 

Accept this as "father-filtered.

Center your thoughts on Him and His will for you...

Expect to see God's hand in your life during this struggle.

P.E.A.C.E. Come up with an acrostic of your own to share with me or others.

OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES!

Shug and PopPop take a look at this! "Who are these people, Jack?" Mommy asked.

"They're humans." he said.

Jack knows who's in the manger. He hollers it out. BABY JESUS.

He's not ashamed. His excited hands show it!

He knows Jesus came down for him. "ME." Jack points to himself.

So he can play with Him. Jesus meets Jack right where he is.

Later Daddy came in the room and asked Jack what he was doing.

"I'm playing with God," was his response. Hmmm...beginning triune God thoughts!

 Yes....out of the mouth of babes!

SUNRISE TO SUNSET

From sunrise to sunset the earth shows forth the wonder of our creator!

PRAISES! SONGS OF JOY!!

So grateful for a church whose prayer prompt for Sunday is PRAISE!

PRAISES for a Serene Sabbath with a choir loft filled with symphony members and angelic voices joyfully singing to our Lord.

Praises began early this morning and are still lingering as the sun is starting to set on this glorious 3rd Advent Sunday of joy!

WALK IN THE LIGHT

Many candles bring special light.

Advent candles. Birthday candles. Christmas candles. Emergency candles, Wedding candles.

This one candle was made overr 53 years ago. One from many. Mother made it by melting all the candles that shone in the windows and by the altar on my wedding day, 8/9/69. As  I placed it on the kitchen table this morning, I was reminded to pray for those who attended my wedding, in particular my Quad Squad. Three friends who not only were there but had entertained me with luncheons prior...and were serving or attending me that day.

The light from the candle led me to Isaiah 2:5.

Come,.....let us walk in the light of the LORD. 

May we all walk in the light of the LORD as we focus on the ONE who is the reason for the season!

MOST ENCOURAGING GIFT EVER

A PRICELESS GIFT!

ENCOURAGING WORDS OF SCRIPTURE!

The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

TIME PERSON OF THE YEAR 2022!!!

Today's reveal of Time Magazine's Person of the year included not only Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky, but also the "Spirit of Ukraine." 

Safety concerns keep me from listing the Ukrainians whom I know, who seek the peace and prosperity of the city in Ukraine where the Lord has placed them. (Jeremiah 29:7) As they seek welfare all the displaced people who flee to their city they are blessed themselves! 

These brave souls understand their exact location where they live was set by God that they might seek Him knowing He is always near!(Acts 17:26-27) 

"In Him, they live and move and have their being." (Acts 17:28)

That my friends is the true Spirit of Ukraine!

W0RK SMART!

First Evangelical Church has a Monday-Saturday "Six Challenges Prayer Guide" followed by PRAISE Sunday.

I like the way Saturday's focus is to Work Smart as it seems like a great way to be ready to work to be ready for a serene Sabbath full of PRAISE!

Jim Walker, editor of 4Memphis, sees work as a gift. He starts the November/December publications editorial page with the verse Psalm 90:17.

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work

 of our hands for us; yes, establish the work out our hands.

The work that Walker commends goes beyond just the jobs that come with a paycheck. He, as always, applauds those who the peace & prosperity of our city.

"These Memphians work daily to help others who have such obstacles to overcome in their lives.....and it is done with God's love and provisions." Walker highlights those folks who give us a picture of the "Godly call to work quietly serving our fellow Memphians." (4Memphis, November/December 2022)

That my friend is what FEC calls "working smart".

HELP NEEDED!

I need help. Don't we all!!

Dear friend, Doris, sent this pic to me to remind me of the One who is my help!

Immediately "a very present help in trouble, " came to mind. 

A picture with the answer to all my woes and fears......JESUS!

Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow. 

Past. Present. Future.

He is all the help I need!

NEW WORDS!

As we age it is not only difficult to keep our word bank relevant but it's even more difficult to understand all the new words the younger generations bombard us with daily. When I'm with 5 of my teenage grandsons, I have difficulty following their conversations often accompanied with hand gestures.

It's always interesting when the OED adds new words each year based on upticks in usage. This past week folks at Webster include "gaslighting" as a relevant new word addition, I had never even heard of it but my daughter had and she enlightened me.

Instagram post by my dear friend, MP, who speaks fluent German and French, https://www.instagram.com/shellphoenix/ reminded me, "Actions speak louder than words." Regardless of the language.

Hubby concurs as he shouted Faking!!! at the TV yesterday during the match between USA and Iran.

All words, new and old, as well as actions, should be grace-laced especially on the international stage.

ABOUND IN HOPE

Yesterday's F.O.C.U.S. verse was Romans 15:13 as I was praying for a Ukrainian gal who is very much in need of the God of all hope.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so by the power of the Holy spirit you may abound in hope.

I also visited a widow lady at her new assisted living facility and there on her counter was Romans !5:13, in part. 

My Monday meditation had certainly included that but it even went beyond as I applied the F.O.C.U.S. formula. Because of my meditation time, I knew how to "fix my eyes on the unseen" part of the verse. Believing and abounding.

Beyond that it was like a blessing from the Lord...a God wink, of sorts from Bobbie's kitchen counter! Close to skywriting from above.

Needless to say. I am now abounding in hope for an answered prayer from Ukraine.

F-O-C-U-S

FOCUS on........God's Word everyday!

Acrostics can help me do just that. FOCUS!

THANKFUL THURSDAY!

Get ready for the confetti! 

Thankful Thursday is here. The 4th Thursday in November is probably the penultimate "Thankful Thursday" for Americans.

I have been "shooting" prayers for family, friends and neighbors all day as God brings folks to mind. Gratitude is heart filling!

ευχαριστώ 

In everything give thanks....

THX!

Thanks be to God.

Thank you,O Lord!

Get the idea.

A WAY WITH WORDS!

It is one thing to be a wordsmith.....

but it's much rarer to express one's self in both words and art. EMYO does just that.

What a privilege it was to attend the launch at Dixon Gallery and Gardens last week of her book, Marisol's Dress. It began with a reading by Emily herself with the accompanying Spanish translation as her mom sat in the audience.

The story itself was inspired by her mother's journey from Cuba during the revolution as she fled the communist revolution there with only her abuela, one white dress that twirled and only one doll to a place across the blue ocean where she knew no one and did not even know the language spoken there.She carried her Mama's words in her heart. 

Remember you are brave and you are loved.

When lonely in her room in America, Marisol has only white paper and some pencils. A great truth enters her mind.

She realized what she had in front of her was enough for today.

The book encourages all to face hardship with courage....

When life gives you lemons, make paper dolls.

EMYO's book has young readers searching for lemons on every page.

From the large impressionist art works from which the illustrations were drawn to the unique words and phrases included, the book itself is truly a complete  work of art.

Marisol's Dress is so special to me because the book depicts the life of EMYO's mom, a dear, dear friend of mine. It also can inspire others, regardless of the age, to know they are brave and loved in the midst of challenges.

Needless to say, I will pass this treasure on to each of my granddaughters.

THOUGHT PROVOKING......

Thought provoking or just plain ole sin?

"Let go and let God" is what my AA brother learned.

Act on what you know. Leave the rest to God.

Paul says to "throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles us." (Hebrews 12:1) 

Overthinking is wearying me out. My worrisome thoughts are a euphemisim for control attempts...people, events and things I cannot change.

Entangling me. I need to throw it out! Not only does hubby see this in me but friend Jerrie does as well.

She gifted me lately with something she knew was right up my alley....sticky notes!

But.....the quote, probably, also right up my alley,  gave me pause. Not a refreshing pause.

Hmmm...back to square one for me, the consummate overthinker!

Take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)

We need only to have faith and leave the details to God!

SPIRITUAL ORDER!

ORDER??

Alphabetical? Branding/ Focal? Spiritual?

The lines at Everett Street Diner in Bryson City, North Carolina are long even before 7am opening time. 

Why? ESD has reputation as the best breakfast in town!

Their mug branding attests to this. It's all about food!

Though food is the focus....family and faith are all so included.

I might consider spiritual branding first, which would also include alphabetical correctness, also important for a "word nerd." Faith first.

FAITH. FAMILY. FOOD.

"Through faith the righteous have life" to enjoy the other above mentioned components. (Hebrews 11:6)

Always put God first. Spiritual order counts in life!

WORSHIPFUL WONDER!

God's creative wonder through my kitchen window can have me bowing in worship.

A new fledgling of bluebirds flitting back and forth for their mealworms.

A hairy woodpecker and goldfinch at the suet cakes.

A Carolina chickadee on the swing.

A new visitor--a house finch* with his red tuft caught in the sunlight.

Focusing on his creation by simply looking out my window, allows me "NOT to get tangled up in tomorrow's worry-webs," as Sarah Young reminds me. (Jesus Listens November 17)

Wonder of Wonders! Right outside my kitchen window! 

Worthy of Worship for their creator!

*Friend Anne B. said the little yellow bird might be a ruby crowned kinglet.Thx for the info!