FAREWELL OCTOBER!

OCTOBER 2024..........A MONTH OF FIRSTS!

Our 1st month in a new state, 

town, 

street, 

home,

Darnell Farms

first teenage granddaughter,

new friend 

Halloween

FAREWELL!

AGLOW!

How does a gal lose her glow?

God's Word in Romans 12:11 reminds Christians to...........

Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. (RSV)

So many ways of saying allow your life to be a way others see the Lord.

Different versions of Scripture define "aglow" with different words and comparisons. Perfect words for my Wordsmith Wednesday to get me back on track. AGLOW!

Positives:

1. "Burning with the Spirit." (AMPC)
2. "Eagerly following the Holy Spirit." (CEV)
3. "Excited about your faith." (NIRV)
4. "Fervent in Spirit." (ESV)
5. "Fueled and aflame." (MSG)
6. "Showing your devotion." (NOG)
7. "Spiritual fervor." (NIV)

"7" ----complete....enough for today!

Maybe I need to walk outside to reclaim my"glow" in the Spirit.

Go to aglow!

MEDITATE AND MARINATE!

It is Monday! Meditation Monday!

Recently Pastor Scotty Smith added a new verb, think herb, to times of meditation. After this past week, it 's what I need.

His words. His power.

When one meditates, sometimes a little spice is needed, especially when one is aging and weary. Smith suggests "trusting the Lord with our fears and weaknesses.....especially as we meditate on His Word, marinate in the Gospel and keep your gaze tied on Jesus."

So....it's back to my prayer chair with gospel-icious meditation marinated with salt from the Psalms. (Psalm 71:18, Psalm 9:1, Psalm 40:5, Psalm 117:10, Psalm 96:3)

FRAGILE AND FRAIL!

Frail enough to fall. Weak enough to wobble. 

Without power says it all. But God in HIS transcendent power reminded me once again "THAT" power belongs only to Him NOT to me. It's only in this weakness and broken vessel of mine that I can find strength, in His all-surpassing power. As i've allowed Him to touch me in order to use me, just as I am, i received a big "touching" message.

A note from Ellen (1999) whose passing has "undone" me and yet I want to speak at her funeral-----to share her genuine goodness. How is that even possible?!

My answer..... "But God in His love and mercy" filled with His power gave me the words in Ellen's own hand writing,

"And thank you for always being there to encourage me to "dance." 

                           xoxo Ellen

May all that is within me praise His holy name as once again God allowed Ellen to bless me with her love and very own words!

MY HELP COMES FROM THE LORD!

I will lift up my eyes unto the hills from whence cometh, my help. 

My help cometh from the Lord who made heaven heaven and earth!

LIGHT IN THE DARK!

I feel as if I'm sitting in darkness.

Be a light to me O Lord. (Micah 7:9)

Even though the Hunter's Super Moon lit up the early morning skies (2am) my heart sensed darkness. 

Thank you for the truth of your word.....When I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me....pleading my cause and bringing me out to the light. (Micah 7:8-9, paraphrased) His marvelous light!

Thank you Lord that your are a God of restoration.....a God whom I can trust to bring me back in to the light!

FOREVER FRIENDS!

There are no words yet……only tears!

Rest in peace, sweet Ellen, my dear, long-time friend❣️ l love you and so cherish all our memories & times together! You will always be a part of who I am—the kind, gentle parts. 

Ellen Thomas Cockrell

 12/12/1947-10/16/2024

May You O Lord, quiet/calm alll her family and friends with your love. (Zephaniah 3:17) 

abun-DANCE!

abun-DANCE is the "dance" of celebrating life right now! It's dancing to the music of life. Yesterday it was "dancing" with hubby in the booth at Peter's Pancakes in Cherokee NC because that's what we do, wherever we are, when "Ain't to Proud to Beg" by the Temptations plays. And to think I almost said "No" to going because I felt too frumpy to leave the house.

It's special to have traditions that become special memories as you age....especially when extended family understands as well. As Candy Paul says, "It's saying "No" to fear and "YES" to LIFE!

Scripture reminds us, God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) Even when our mind seems to be a bit wishy-washy at times, God can provide the ability to discern His will for each day & every moment. Music for our soul....enough to have our toes tapping in step with Him.

That's abunDANCE!

PORCH PONDERINGS

Not my porch,,,,,,,,we had no porch at 1152…..

But reading Lynne & Jenny’s gift book on my 125  porch…..

……..was a great reminder of  the importance of  “staying in touch.”

Lord, thank you for teaching me the art of welcoming people to my porch. You have put so many new folks on WRD who have been gracious to us.  May we return the blessing!

May we put out your welcome mat of listening ears and a kind heart❣️

On another day without cell tower access, a porch is a great place to ponder and reach out❣️

5 IMPORTANT WORDS!❗️

Important words come from scripture! Truth from above 5 words!

Truth from the first five words in 1 Peter 2:21…….

             “ to this you were called,”

A big thanks to Nancy E. For this reminder.

Prayer is not useless.

Prayer is THE work!

God gives His people His work to do. 

Christ is your example. 

Be alone with Him!

Seek Him through His Word! (Jeremiah 29:13)

Seek His leading for you. 

THEN, follow in His steps!

1 Peter 2:21 “in 5 words or less” in 5 sentences. 

It’s “Meditation Monday”…..

Think on these things!

PARTICIPLES IN PRACTICE!

A big thanks to Pastor Buddy of Allen Bible Church. His 9/22/24 sermon resonated with the participles I need to practice in my life. (Matthew 28:16-20, Proverbs 3, Colossians 3, Acts 4:13, 1Thessalonians 2:8)

LOVING, the present participle of love, answers the question, “ What really matters in my own life?”

LOVING God!

LOVING my neighbor!

LOViNG others! (Loving one another in fellowship!)

PIP for today……

Participles In Practice 

SATURDAY NIGHT S’MORES & SURPRISES!

Some things are worth staying out past 8pm for on a Saturday night!

Food and a family movie were a great beginning capped off with the perfect dessert! 

S’MORES😋

Wait there’s more……

What a thrill⁉️ What are the chances⁉️…… Just around the corner having supper at Anthony’s were Garrett, son of long time dear friends, Sam & Suzie & his wife Courtney❣️ I taught Courtney when she was 4 yrs. old & in pre-school. 

The Lord knew I needed a lift & He gave me a BIG ONE‼️

Faithful is He……. this Saturday night and beyond. 

(Deuteronomy 7:9, Deuteronomy 32:4, Psalm 33:4, Hebrews 13:5–6)

* Thx Koko for taking picture of my “glory gift”!

TIMELY REMINDER TO 🙏

When one’s heart is discouraged, usually more light is needed as her insides have darkened. What could be more timely than looking up yesterday at the “pray” sign on the light post at the Cafe Rel parking lot.

PRAY 

So……prayer was put in along with our lunch order!

WITHOUT FEAR!

How does one live without fear?

Today’s Jesus Calling reminded me to trust the Lord and thank Him as I (and you) rest in His sovereignty. 

 

Devote yourself to prayer being watchful and thankful. 

Colossians 4:2

WHAT A FELLOWSHIP! WHAT A JOY DIVINE!

Today was so special!

Though separated by the devestation of Hurricane Helene, I was able to communicate with dear sisters at First Evan. For friends unable to attend, or on the mailing list, my daughter recorded it and is allowing me to share privately through this link on my blog.

https://youtu.be/IX3ddsAdVSw?si=kx0Hy20xQsIonx3d 

Everything is still iffy here for us so if it doesn't work for you, let me know!

Love and thanks to all for listening and encouraging words and most of all from prayers!