LAMB OF GOD!

Fellowship of the EWES!

Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world uses His lambs to minister in the world to other followers of Jesus. It's called fellowship!

Fellowship Friday is a great time to reflect on fellowship with Christ and others in His family in praise and prayer!

NC THANKFUL THURSDAY IN THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS

NC = NORTH CAROLINA!

Today it also means No Complaint!

Heart of Gratitude needed as problems mount.*

Walk and build Muscle Mass. But it's a long way up! Go anyway. Hubby by your side.

Be Still and Listen! (Psalm 46:10)

When flustered with  newest "curve".......remember the beauty of Juney Whank Falls & ....

...Be Thankful. 

*Newest email to hubby said I cancelled my phone & it had my correct #--

No clue why or how to deal with it! If you don't hear from me, you'll know why....just wish I did!!

WHEREWITHAL!

WHEREWITHAL!

Where is my wherewithal?

WHEREWITHAL! I know where my "with all" is..............it's in the One whose name is Jesus. He has all I need for power to live life full of resources to please Him and serve others.

TASTY JOY!

Tasty Joy! 

That's what Day 3 in 12 'days til Christmas brought me via "my" Molly! 

Yes....I know it's Day 6 but I'm way behind & still trying to catch up.

Regardless, it was great way to begin my day......Bible open on my lap and Ghirardelli in my unbandaged left hand.......a "CHOCOLATE DAY" ---so I can eat it!

YUMMY JOY! 

ADVENT SUNDAY'!

Churches celebrate Sundays of Advent differently. Two churches had a live nativity as today's way to involve youngsters.

One wanted animals to be involved as much as possible. 

But one had no access to a lamb. 

What a conundrum 

I loved their answer when a congregant provided for the need!

3rd Sunday of Advent.— Problem solved.

IT'S A GREAT DAY!

I know it's a Great Day!

"My" Molly's day #2 Great Day fridge pad showed me. It even included a silver metallic Sharpie.Why? Because she is watchful & knew I needed one!

More to come--as I post pic of Day 1 with it's well-researched gift needed to add joy to my life along with day 3 gift which I am looking forward to seeing myself!

OOPS--tough times kept me "off kilter" a bit so day 3 pic is on Day 6 or 7! Are you confused????????????????? Welcome to my world.

It's a great day because God is not confused!

JOY! JOY!! JOY!!!

From Hurting Heart to Healing Head!

"My" Molly continues to remind me to find joy at every turn by making sure the joy of life is always in view, even when I'm weary. She has even researched ways for the brain to stay "healthier" longer!

Medical Day has worn me out. But God has given me more to share.....soon!

ROADSIDE REMINDERS!

God's Way to get my attention is often on a roadside sign that leads right to our house. Side by side signs!

REST is GOD's LOVE!

"REST is GOD's LOVE!" needs to be in my vocabulary.

In a humorous way, the sign to the left could be a reminder to practice "rest" or one continue on to the Mountain View Manor Nursing Home just around the corner.

HARK!!

HARK! 

What a great December word!

Listen! Listen carefully.

Look back. Pay close attention. Heed. 

The ones in Biblical times who were heralds of the birth of Christ were announcers of the birth of the newborn King.....Jesus!

Maybe we need to herald this news more today on this Advent Sunday!

Herald. (Announce) Harken.(Listen Carefully.) Heed. (Do it)

Maybe even Click here & hum along with the words........... 

"Hark the Herald Angels Sing" my favorite carol!

Hark!” The herald angels sing, “Glory to the new-born king.” Mild He lays His glory by; born that man no more may die— Born to raise the sons of earth. Born to give them second birth—. Hark! The herald angels sing....... 

Glory to the new-born king!

Hark for sure!

HOPE SPEAKS

Hope speaks in many languages.....but Morse Code was a first for me!

A gold necklace with hope in Morse code.

A gift of HOPE from Susan and Aubry......a reminder to be worn to help me "Rejoice in Hope." (Romans 12:12a)

H

O

P

E

.... ---  .--.  .

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, 

so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." (Romans 15:13)

Lord use this beautiful "gift of hope" as a "A lead-in to gospel conversations." 

abunDANCE STEPS!

Lively steps........are they needed to dance?

Are lively steps possible if an aging one falters at every positional change?

abunDANCE steps are enjoyed moment by moment, bit by bit, even as one watches the joy in another's face! The face of one who is actually physically moving to the music of life, the Lord has given them.

Maybe it's time to clean the "dance shoes" out of the closet and give to someone who still has the "Tap" moves. 

Learn to "go forth in the dance of the merrymakers," metaphorically and physically.....even from a sitting position as you celebrate their joy.

"Tap your toes" in delight for them. May that please the Lord.

ROAD TO NOWHERE!

A muddled mind can be a side-effect of a stroke. An occipital lobe stroke can increase the muddlng. Factor in amyloid build up....you get the "up, up, up idea. Weariness looms. To muster my energy, hubby tries to encourage movement.

Yesterday, he said we could find the "Road to Nowhere" for a 20 minute walk.

We found the sign............

...but that's all we found!

There was a locked gate across the road. No parking area was anywhere close. It seemed, as the sign said, a broken promise f sorts for my walk.

As Son, J said, "It seems the road took you nowhere." I did not laugh. 

Maybe my mind was too muddled/concerned about backing down the narrow hill.

I'm sure there are more life lessons in these events "somewhere"----Yesterday, my mental condition was too confused a state to figure them out.

But today, Jesus, the One who is "the way," can refer to pathways of life or the journey we are on as we choose to trust Him, as we "walk" even when our mind is mixed-up!

CHRISTMAS IS COMING......

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas on WRD!

Thanks to friends, neighbors  and family who are spreading the true joy! 

It all started with a BIG fragrant wreath arriving in the mail from Collierville! I "puddled!"

Note purple door.....royalty.....a child of the king must live here!

A nativity built piece by piece over the years from Memphis friends.

(Luke 2:8-12)

A.B.'s "Beauty of the Earth" in a 2025 Photo Calendar 

Christmas Greetings from a sweet young family who know the true meaning of Christmas. I miss them dearly!

Even at the high school the students worked together to write, and produce a "fun" play that includes acceptance and forgiveness and made our pre-schooler use his "excited" hands a lot!

 Plus, the sound and light crew guru is family!

SAVIOR = REDEMPTION

REDEEMER.....every Jesus follower has the One who is true!

How do we know? The Bible tells us so!

Redemption is an act of being saved from sin, error or evil. Similar to regaining possession of.....like clearing a debt. In biblical terms it involves deliverance from bondage based on payment of price by a redeemer.

For believers Jesus has redeemed us from alienation from God through the  death and resurrection of his son Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1:7)

REJOICE-----

        REDEEMED ONES!

ADVENT!

Advent ie a faith season of waiting and preparation for both the celebration of Jesus' birth and anticipation of His return at the Second Coming! 

The candles and wreath are accessories and may vary but all point toward Christ, the world's true light, who was, and is, and is to come. (Revelation 1:8)

WEARNINESS RX-- INTRO!

WEARINESS RX will be shared after my nap! (or 2 or 10)

Yesterday, Jack said, "I am most thankful for my dinosaurs and stuffies." 

Then he took a nap in his closet.

I am most thankful for Jack's example, without shame!

BUNDLES OF BLESSINGS!

CALLS! CARDS! TXTS! E-MAILS! FAMILIAR FOODS! FAMILY!  TV GOBBLES!........

from Personal Shopper......

.....to full tummy with 2 desserts followed by l-o-n-g nap .....

and a grateful heart with bundles of blessings!

FOOD & FAMILY & FAITH!!!

Food but not just any food. 

Spiritual food. Think God's Word.

Family--all people in God's family......i.e. fellowship! (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) who stand with others in the faith. A caring community which builds a "culture of caring" through all generations. (Mickey Bowden)

Faith---a gracious and merciful God, who sent His only Son to redeem those who accept Him as Savior to have eternal life with Him. (Nehemiah 9:31)

FOOD. FAMILY. FAITH. 

                FOUNDATIONAL SOURCE OF SUPPORT!

ANCHOR OF HOPE!

A Biblical Anchor represents hope!

A hope based on Jesus and God's Word. Promise in Scripture!

Anchor is firm and secure. Metaphorically.....God and faith.

Thank you, Lord for that Anchor of Hope that keeps me grounded during this latest struggle. 

"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness."

My Amen Anchor! A Secure Anchor!

*entry per A & G Cook

ROOM WITH A VIEW!

NOVEMBER 19, 2024

Oh what a day!

Smoky Mountain Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy.

PT. Efficient Renee. Smiling Hannah. A busy Eric.

Mounds of equipment.

Blurr. Woobly. Imbalance.

Exercise Repetition.

Water. Fat pretzel. Can't swallow.

Upchuck.Weak. Fear. Unsteady. 

Ambulance Ride (backwards)  70-90 MPH, per hubby in pursuit

"Stay with me, Mrs. L." 

Open your eyes. Lift your arms.

Projectile Vomiting. Source?

Increased intra cranial pressure.

Mission Hospital Asheville, NC.

Woozy. Gurney Ride.

Room A#523. 

Testing Blur.

815 beds.

A bed. Warm blankets. Ebony/LEL contrasting humor. 

A VIEW comes into view!

A wide-eyed "Ahhhh.............."

Spirit-led adjustments needed.

"I sought the Lord." Others sought the Lord on my behalf. (Psalm 27:13)

"He delivered. No more fear".....(Psalm 34:4) only discomfort......

in a tiny room with an exquisite view. 

STOP! SMELL THE ROSES!

Smell the roses---

???What if there aren't any roses?

Choose any flower.

What if there are't any flowers? 

Skip rocks in a creek!

What if the creek is too shallow??

Take your shoes off and stick your toes in the cold water!

Why?

Because it is good to give thanks to the Lord. (Psalm 9:1)

He will enable you to "sing for joy." (Psalm 92:4, emphasis mine)

Quit making excuses! Be grateful. Pappy Young thought gratitude was

like duct tape ......there was no problem it couldn't fix.

Choose joy! 

When you've grown weary, remember the One who is your joy.

STOP! Lean into Him! Allow Him to gratify and satisfy.

Who knows, you might even get a whiff of roses from afar!

NEEDMORE?!

What does one do when her GPS fails? Possibly switching back to God's Positioning System, when one needs more clarity of direction in her life would help!

Even with the latest GPS system, one can still lose her bearing when fatigue & insecurity are factors. Sunday was such a time. I needed more clues and old timey street signs which were still readable to help hubby best navigate the road to return to our new homeplace.

A good reminder appeared on the back of a BiG truck.

When we missed the turn indicated by the GPS we were reminded again that we needed more help.

When one is going in the wrong direction, for me, the answer is obvious.........

As always, I "NEED MORE" of Thee and less of me!

Pastor Pace begins His sermons repeating Isaiah 40:8.....

"The grass withers,

........the flower fades"....

and the congregation in the pews (or on-line) finishes with....

"but the word of our God stands forever."

More than an opinion from a pundit but God's holy word to start my day with this morning as I look out my breakfast bar window at those examples of creation.

God has my attention; I hope He has yours.

'He who has an ear, let him hear, what the Spirit says to the church. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the tone the noon knows except the one who receive it.' (Revelation 2:17)

Do I hear an AMEN!?

HOPE-SETTERS!

Hope----"My One Word" 2024.

By nature we are hope-setters—looking to someone or something to make things better and put things right. By our new-nature, however, we know “horses and chariots,”  cash reserves and government leaders, graceless religion and our best efforts cannot save us. Salvation rests on Jesus. Either Jesus is the Savior of the world, or we are helpless, hapless, and hopeless. (Scotty Smith, emphasis mine)

So on the 1st day of November, 2024, hubby and I were thrilled to affirm Christ's  tomb has never been more empty. His throne has never been more occupied. Our Lord Jesus Christ's return has never been more certain! 

How grateful we are as the sermon at Redeemer Church, PCA, in Sylva, NC reaffirmed our hope that morning as we continue to mourn the deaths of sweet God-fearing friends, Ellen and Dixie.

On our Father's love relying

Jesus ev-ry need supplying

Yes in living or in dying all must be well

Psalm 130 (From the Depths of Woe)

Thx to RUF Rev. Andrew Shank who encouraged us in the "Lord's Day Worship" to "Wait on the King", and Scotty Smith for the faith affirming words for all hope-setters, who are going to the polls today as we trust in the name of the Lord our God and delight in His will! 

May His will be done today for the sake of His people all over the USA!

GIFT FROM THE HEART!

Little things can grab the heart in a big way!

"Jesus quiets our hearts with His love." (Zephaniah 3:17)

When a 6 year-old holds something behind his back and tells you to close your eyes, one knows something is about to happen. For me, yesterday, I was given the "Okay" to "open." There in his hand was a beautiful gift....followed by a big hug!

Gift from the heart! A dandelion, with a short stem, presented with a big smile and a request to put it in a vase. My heart was touched! 

An itty bitty slightly squashed dandelion gift that was sweet to my soul. God made it and a 6 year-old gave it. 

Praise be to God for this "heart gift."

"LEAVINGS"

The Oxford Language Dictionary (OLD) defines leavings as, "things that have been left as worthless." This morning, in God's creation economy, I experienced leftover, residue, remains of leaves as anything but worthless.

Think extension of His glory of creation. 

I am grateful the photo "caught" my feet in the glory of autumn leaves in the mountains! So much more than leftovers!

A reminder,  The steps of a good man/woman are ordered by the LORD: And He delighteth in them! (Psalm 37:23)

The heart of man plans his ways but the LORD directs his steps! (Proverbs 16:9)

Grateful for morning prayers when I asked the Lord to direct my steps as well as others before we even left our abodes today! 

No worthless "leavings," but steps ordered by Him to bring glory to Him as well as His creation!

KEEP GLOWING!

Keep glowing! (Romans 12:11)

"Why?".....you might ask.

So others might see the beauty of Jesus in you. 

How does one keep glowing?

Pastor Scotty Smith offers an answer. Allow the Lord to turn your whimpers and whines into wonder and worship! (11/1/24)

For me, I must keep reminding myself to keep glowing. Often that means having Scripture at hand (from our breakfast bar to the refrigerator door) as I begin my day. 

Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame.......(Romans 12:11, MSG)

The verse might start with a negative comparison, Don't burn out but the the result is a positive allowing you to keep fueled and aflame, aka keep glowing! 

People abounding in hope keep glowing! (Romans 15:13)