FULL MOON NIGHT!

MORE BELL RINGING!

MIND AWAKENING---LOUDER than an alarm clock!

* "Bell Ringer" turns 95 tomorrow....November 4, 2025

Thoughts from others still reverberate in my mind!

My own personal bell ringers.

Allow your mouth to be a "NO WHINE" zone. (K-Love Radio, 2010)

Don't tell God you have a Big Problem, tell your Problem you have a Big God. (ESV Bible, Marginalia)

Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil... it has no point. (Dotsy Details, 9/27/2023)

G OD

R EACHING

A CROSS

C IRCUMSTANCES

E NABLING            (Nancy Binkley's SS teacher)

REVIVAL is God's arrival! (FEC Monday's Prayer for Revival Warriors) 

C oncentrate 

O n

G od   A "look unto" cog/phrase in life! (DAL. ESV Bible marginalia, p. 780)

C onfess

O nly

G od      One's most important cog in life! (DAL. ESV Bible marginalia, p. 780)  

Look to me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. (Isaiah 45:22, NKJV)

Keep ringing those bells for me, God's people!

UNSTOPPABLE GOSPEL!

What a blessing.....a grandson behind the pulpit. A passing of the mantle of sorts as his father, Pastor Buddy, listened from the audience. 

Just click below the picture to hear Nathan's message at Allen Bible Church.......

Unstoppable Gospel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT59iJhI3ec&t=1441s

A FEW REFLECTIONS:

• Be emboldened by truth.
• Expect opposition. 
• Be willing to be a witness for Christ (as Stephen was)
• Pain and suffering can be a catalyst for spreading God's truth as both Stephen and Jesus did.
• Fix your eyes on Jesus.
• I seek not a long life but a full life, like you Lord Jesus. (Jim Elliott, missionary) 
• The gospel is unstoppable.
• Stand for Jesus

Amen Affirmation.....0pposition cannot stop God's Gospel!

SHAPED TO SERVE!

How does one enter his/her golden years and beyond as a servant of the LORD? I have found that service isn't self-service! Wisdom not only gained from age but even from a child can be valuable.

Mine came from a 3 1/2 year old princess on our street. (1/2 emphasis is hers!

She can bring dandelions or some colorful leaves to my porch. Occasionally, it can be a flower that has fallen to the ground.They are always given with a smile. I try to have a small receptacle ready; she loves the splash of water as she "stuffs" them in.

Flowers are sparse these days and our 34° temp didn't help. But God used a nudge from the Holy Spirit to have me pick some that had fallen in case she comes by today. I even found the perfect container!

My "Shaped to Serve" vase is eensy but perfect to hold a few straggly flowers. It's a bit cold for me to porch sit but I have it in the window in case she "skips" by. If not, I know where she lives!

There was even a verse in the box with it---"just for me"! 

O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. (Isaiah 64:8)

A reminder that even things I am finding only recently after out sudden and tumultuous move, can speak God's wisdom to my heart. 

I am not a horticulturist and will never be a Master Gardener but.......

I am grateful for dandelions from a 3 yr. old! Oops 3 1/2!

MEASURING UP!

Words of scripture are written to encourage us.

She is clothed with Strength and Dignity and she laughs without fear of the Future. (Proverbs 31:25)

Until they make us question ourselves as a bookmark (gift) did to me.

When I turned it over, I saw the measurement “ruler”—-AARGG!

Conviction trumped encouragement.

Weariness had set in. I no longer had strength. I wasn't measuring up!

I was no longer clothed without fear! I seemed to daily put-on fear.

Was I measuring myself by the world's standards?

But God in His love and mercy used truth to remind me that the only true measurement we need comes from the shed blood of His son Jesus. 

John 15, a fave chapter of Scripture for me, was the needed reminder......

apart from me you can do nothing. (v. 5) Doing for Him is not measuring up. That's more self-credit. Walking with Him in His grace displays His strength, NOT ours.

...In quietness and trust is your strength... (Isaiah 30:15b) More than just alliance, it's reliance. (G. A. Smith, The Book of Isaiah, 1:128)

Leaning in---relying on Him alone! 

As I was typing these thoughts, the melody of the hymn, "My Hope is Built on Nothing Less" sealed it for me.

1 My hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
but wholly lean on Jesus' name.

Refrain:
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand:
all other ground is sinking sand;
all other ground is sinking sand.

2 When darkness veils his lovely face,
I rest on his unchanging grace;
in every high and stormy gale,
my anchor holds within the veil. [Refrain]

3 His oath, his covenant, his blood,
support me in the whelming flood;
when all around my soul gives way,
he then is all my hope and stay. [Refrain]

4 When he shall come with trumpet sound,
O may I then in him be found:
dressed in his righteousness alone,
faultless to stand before the throne. [Refrain]

Words of scripture written to encourage me/us that have me humming & tapping my toes while sitting in my prayer chair!

IDIOSYNCRATIC BEHAVIOR!

Idiosyncratic Behavior.

Think quirky! AKA peculiar personality trait.

Mine doesn't seem quirky to me. It's a part of the gal I have always been.

I prefer my pencils extra sharp. My electric pencil sharpener is front and center on my desk. Back in the day, when I traveled, I would pack a round plastic pencil sharpener to catch the cedar shavings.

Some friends tease me about my pencil proclivity. It's somewhat of a natural tendency for me. 

How grateful I am that God loves me as I am, idiosyncrasies and all. 

May I continue to use all my writing with pencils, pens or typing be used to glorify Him. 

Idiosyncratic Behavior. Stay Sharp for His glory!

 

* A big thanks to MJ who sent me a pic of her old crank style sharpener in the basement.

TRUE TRUST!

Sometimes few words can say the most! 

Last year, the few words we were given for our first NC License plate were different from our request.

The couple in front of us asked for and received the last one.

When we renewed our tags, this year.....Voilà! Requested tags were available!

IN GOD WE TRUST.*

Those words say it all for hubby and me.

As he was changing our tags we noticed additional words---also with relevance!

`To Be Rather Than to Seem'

No facades needed in the life of a believer! Be who God created you to be... rather than seem to be someone you are not!

* IN God We Trust....national motto of the United States officially adopted by Congress on July 39, 1956

CHOOSE JOY!

JOY is a choice!

Joy of heart changes perspective.

Feeling battered by life's circumstances; joy can brighten your spirit.

Joy no matter what!

A joyful heart is good medicine, (Proverbs 17:22)----the best RX!

Choose joy as a way of looking at life.

Former neighbor, Art, corrected me when I labeled my fence as rotting.

He dubbed it weathered. He saw the beauty in it and took a photo, a needed reminder which I keep in my prayer room.

Gladness of heart, regardless = JOY!

WORDS OF WISDOM!

WOW = Words of Wisdom!

Can this be said of you? Do you speak wisdom?

True wisdom is from God's Word. It's seen as one walks in His way. It is heard when one speaks with humility to others. 

Wisdom is led and sealed by the Spirit of wisdom which enlightens a believers  heart. (Ephesians 1:17-18)

Words of Wisdom----a divine gift given to those who fear the Lord. (Proverbs 1:7)

Remember to thank Him in both words and actions!

BUT GOD.....AGAIN YOU SAY!

I know......... I already have "But God" ringing in your ears but I want all to know the pattern of the Christian life for all of us!

We are the tellers of His story!

AGOG! A Grid of Grace makes it possible. His Grid compels us

FLANNEL FRIDAY!

So grateful for today's crisp mountain air! According to the weatherman, it has something to do with the altitude. I don't even know what the altitude is here but I certainly feel the chill in the air.

How much easier it was to head out for our walk at Deep Creek knowing flannel would be my fabric of choice until I returned home!

The walk had another plus. It's the first time I had felt like a true resident of North Carolina. We met one of our "ridge" residents on the walk. We not only knew who they were along with their names and their kids' names but conversation ensued on the trail. His brother from Florida was visiting and he was able to share much info about my hubby with him as he introduced us. As athletic conversations followed, I chatted with both his wife and their perky 3 year old. We knew both the kids' grandmothers as well. 

More than just knowing folks "in passing" for both of us. 

A blessing of friendship on Flannel Friday!

I must not have heard the meteorologist say we would be able to discard the flannel in the afternoon but that's where I was headed---

RING A BELL PHRASES

BUT GOD blog entries, probably most of any---approx 150, always ring a bell when I hear that phrase! His love and mercy reminders spring forth!

Family and friends often share phrases and acrostics to "ring my bell" metaphorically to trigger my memory. Those ring loudly---think Terry @ Bryson City FBC LOUD!

Don't settle for safety; Jesus offers security. Amanda McElrath

God's Grace 

Keeps Pace 

with what we face. Brother Buddy

Gaze at God! Glance at all else. Carolyn W.

Let's let Acts go through us. 

Togetherness (fellowship) fulfills a longing for belonging. Son Buddy

W atch

A nd

I ncrease 

T rust        Bernie

Use Roundup on your bitterness rather than fertilizer. Scottie Smith

What I make much of is much to me. Andrew Beach

Be kind to one another. Nō-ah who was "fō-ah" 2008 (Eph. 4:32) 

PERPETUAL PRAYERS!

Perpetual prayers so easily come forth for peace as we face life or pray  for others who relish such prayers as well. 

Recently, alone on a damp precipitous perch while hubby and grandson, Owen. hiked near-by, I left behind all the petitions.

Praises came forth! For me, circumstances too often lead to pleas/petitions. I needed to be still and allow the Lord to touch my soul that praises might come forth from my inmost being. (Psalm 103:1)

Reflecting this morning on that time on the "cliff", a knock on the door got me out of my prayer chair. Neighbor, John, had found a letter in the grass----damp from several days of due. But God used it to bless me greatly. It was answer to one of my perpetual petitions and it prompted praise. I had been anxious for an update from her and here it was!

Petition ▶️ Prayer  ▶️ Praise ▶️ Prompts 

▶️Perpetual Prayers & Praise Together

May praises for Him always be on my lips! (Psalm 34:1)

FAITHFUL FRIENDS!

When life has been bumpy and one needs to trust His leading, trust can provide the answer! Sunday was such a time for me! A deliverance from fear of all the "what ifs" in life. A boost of new life provided by Him, through them.....Larry and Marge! We headed down Highland Rd. past Lick-Skillet thru curvy, steep mountain roads bringing tasty treats to share....but received much more! 

From the familiar tingle of patio wind chimes of the patio to the gamiliar gospel music as we walked thru the front door.

It felt like going home! Home to family, though not through physical blood, but true relationship through the blood of Christ for many years. It was Psalm 34 in action. God reunited hubby and me with a godly couple whom He has given long life. (very soon to be 97 for him & 95 for her) (Psalm 34:11-12, Proverbs 3:1-3 )

God's goodness to them has been obvious and they have passed it on. Praise to the LORD has continued as their souls boast in Him. (Psalm 34:1)

They have magnified the LORD and exalted His name together for as long as we have known them. (Psalm 34:3)

Through the years, they have given godly wisdom that has blessed us beyond measure.

Their door is always open whether in the mountains or in Florida.

Even as we left with hugs and teary-eyes they gave us their typical bell ringing send-off reminding us to return. Unable to upload that video yet.

A full long life of wisdom shared that afternoon, reminded me to turn to the Lord as my refuge and enjoy a worry-free life! I smiled all the way back down that curvy mountainous road to reality with renewed faith!

PRAYER REQUESTS!

In this "aging" season of life, (Aren't they all!?) most of my prayer requests have been for energy or strength. 

Sometimes we need a second wind, to make it through the age-related storms of life. For me, too often even a "first" wind is needed!

Those who wait-ESV (hope -CEB) (trust-CEV) for the LORD (ADONAI-CJB, Jehovah-DARBY, NOG-Yahweh) shall renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Without His leading with His "second wind" strength, such hypervigilance/overstimulation can cause flat-out fatigue!

Strength needed! His Strength!!

Strength for His Service....not self.

BUT GOD!!!

Once again, I sense that I have been sent to time-out.

But God in His love and mercy has been there with me!

He has given prayer warriors who stand with me! Some lead me with encouragement. Others stand behind me ready to catch me If I fall.

"But God" is in control of every aspect of life's disappointments!

But God, the greatest short phrase uttered in history!*

God's mercy flows from His own loving heart......

....not from anything I have done to deserve it

Hallelujah!

*uttered by Paul in Ephesians

MONDAY MUSINGS FROM SUNDAY SERMONS!

Bits and pieces from compilation of journal jottings:

TX Buddy---Times of REFRESHING" come from the presence of the Lord. (Acts 3:17-26) AMEN!

• Unity--a longing for belonging 
• OK to write in Bible 😀
• Ambassadors-for-neighbors-next-generation 
• Togetherness--with one mind. God is our facilitator
• Let Acts go through us.

NC Pastor Dave (Luke 16:19-31) Rich man had no name. Ignored poor man's need. Poor man's name was Lazarus. When he died he was carried by angels to Abraham's side. Rich man died and was buried and in Hades in torment. A great chasm existed between the two. 

NC Cole A--Pastor's Corner--This in-between time of fall might be inviting us to slow down and savor moments inside and out. Find God in the ordinary things. remember God is not only "at work" in the things that lie ahead, but also right here in every breath we take.

NE Jim---often a Greek word specialist. "One of the lessons we've learned is that we have lots to learn"--quoting Jonathan Robbins pastor @ Summit Church in Triad of North Carolina--PTL now starting Daniel!

TN (Memphis) Pace--Recalls Mark 1:1  Jesus Christ the Son of God (his deity) to Son of Man (His humanity) When one encounters Jesus they are changed. (Mark 2:1-12) Friendship element seen in friends of paralytic who lowered him through roof to Jesus, who forgives his sins first (eternal effect) and then had him "rise" to walk (present day effect) Pace shared elements of friendship of David and Jonathan's soul to soul relationship (1 Samuel 18:1) to believers who are there for one another.

Best friends with believers will make us the best friends with God. "A friendship that is marked by edification." Friendship with non-believers is an essential friendship for evangelism. We all need friendship in the faith.

TN Nashville) Cole H. "Hebrews is a book of many layers like one of Lynn's casseroles." What! You don't know what a casserole is. Cole makes the deep things of Scripture relevant and can even throw in a humorus quip to catch attention. There is a difference between a covenant and a contract. Christ's sacrifice is once for all. 

This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,” 17 then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” 18 Now where there is [a]remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin

(Hebrews 10:16-18 NKJV)

FRIDAY IN PHILIPPIANS!

Philippians: an encouraging epistle.

Ask self, "Do others see Christ in me" daily? 

Is my identity with Jesus Christ more than surface?

Certainly as others view believers through the lens of life, it's important that they see the life and hear the lips of Jesus. Lips that promote instruction. (Proverbs 16:23)

Manner of life is important. Being of same mind with other believers, who see others more significant than self. (Philippians 2:3)

Jesus Christ, dwelling deeply in me/you, is magnified by sacrificial, self-emptying servanthood. (Found in Philippians this Friday.)

GIFTS THAT KEEP ON GIVING!

Fellowship, in an of itself, is a gift that keeps on giving!

Friend WH, who understands better that I, all my age-related maladies has a way of of giving that helps me embrace God's truths and my need for all of them.

Reminders wrapped in an acrostic!

A great focus to remind me to not lose sight of Who God truly is in my life (Psalm 46:10) even when I struggle to set myself aside and choose to surrender to Him! (James 4:7)

Remembering His promises is key! (2 Corinthians 1:20) Yes and Amen.

The outcome allows me to experience peace. His peace. (John 14:27)

A gift of joy in His presence! (Acts 2:28)

True peace regardless of circumstances. 

What a gift!

MORE LIGHT!

The LightFM---

A gospel ministry with far reaching effects, especially during Hurricane Helene, September 26, 2024.

Exit 55 off I-40 E take the first right. After we checked in at the Billy Graham Center, we took the first right and headed up the narrow, steep curvy road to Camp Cedar Creek Welcome Pavilion.

We felt welcome! 

Worth the drive1 

We were treated to a friendly reception, a delish Low Country Boil served with a beautiful mountain view! After a bit of a song fest, a devotional was shared by one of the team members. Powerful stories of hope and healing. 

Many "God Moments" were shared from the dark-out as Hurricane Helene hit to following up with feeding the communities and  providing shelter. One that stood out to me ------LightFM was only "off air" for 9 minutes! For many stranded in their listening area, it was the only news access they had to the outside world! 

Much more than meal.....it was a celebration of all that God had done through The LightFM ministry.

ANNIVERSARY TURNING POINT!

Today is the first day of autumn. A turning point in the autumn equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. It arrives at 2:19 EST in our town. I'm ready.........

The leaves of the dogwoods on our side of the  mountain are starting to turn. Hopefully, a refreshing "nip in the air" will come soon!

Today, for us, is the first anniversary of our residency in North Carolina.

Admittedly, it has not been an easy turning point for me. But God in His love and mercy has been with me in every distractible moment. 

Acts 17:26: has been my reminder......God has determined allotted periods and the boundaries of (our) dwelling place.

 

We are here, in this very location, for a reason. 

His reason!

A grace place of sorts.

May others see Christ in us, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27).....as

In Him we live and move and have our being. (Acts 17:28a)

A true turning point regardless of where we live or how distractible my mind has become.

LIGHT!

Today we head to The Cove with neighbors John and Vicki for a Light FM dinner! May the LIGHT of God's Presence fill my mind today as we prepare to go.

Allow God's word to lead to the light needed.

Looking lightheartedly at the worries that flood my mind....I can walk through the day with lighter steps. The LORD will be my light. (Micah 7:8, emphasis mine)

Do not lose heart. See troubles as light and momentary.

Walk in the light and be a light for others!

BOX OF BLESSING!

Sometimes a gift box has its own blessing!

Looking forward to showing you the wisdom for me in this gift!

True wisdom is "rare" and comes from God's word!

God's Word.....a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. 

(Psalm 119:105)

Just 4 letters to help my short term memory focus! Not a random focus but one that is meant for me as a believer. Think "Believer's Apothecary" with a great acrostic.

Come back next Wordsmith Wednesday to see the gift that encourages me to continue to do small things that God leads me to do so they become great things In His name for His glory and my good as I have ways to serve others even if limited!

PERFORMANCE PRISON!

Growing up in a small town, with a beautiful mother, I learned early on to put my best foot forward! It's what was done. She was an expert at it.

Her paving the way, made it much easier! She was Sunday School director @ FUMC. A fashionista who selected my clothes. She kept everything together for me! She "bubble-wrapped" us all to make life easier. 

On my own through many seasons of life, I could often get caught up in trying to "work" for God, feeling useless if I did not "do" enough. Susan D., who discipled me, would remind me that God's grace is a free gift.

Performance Prison as Dallas Seminary prof Dr. Vic Anderson impressed on my friend, Dawn Dalton, can be so constricting. A great reminder for me that I needed to "play" my "Get Out of Jail Free" card.    

I know life is not a game but I also have learned that we are heirs of the Lord....with the Spirit of His Son in our hearts. 

Jesus is our Savior, Sustainer & Guide. He is enough.

Believers, don't be imprisoned by "doing" for the Lord. 

Remember Christ has set us free. Lean into Him in faith through love. 

Look to Him. Walk with Him as He directs us in serving others! 

"Do" only as He leads.

Stay outside of the "performance prison" cell.

We are set free!

ABIDE! A WAY OF WISDOM!!

Believers desiring to know God more deeply realize the need to turn to Scripture. For me, it also includes studying with other believers. 

Bible Study w/ others---A Way of Wisdom! Studying & Sharing together!

Allen Bible Church, Allen, TX

I don't remember the lady's name but she lived in a 2 story house on Park Ave. in Memphis, with a curved drive way in the front. Not my 1st Bible study but one that emphasized "abide" as a relationship key. Remaining in Him and loving one another! Abide and love are key words in John 15:1-17.

Our abiding relationship with God and other believers (fellowship) helps us to abound more! A shared joy!

It gives rhythm and "full joy" to our lives with Him and each other! (v.11)

ABIDE! REPEAT!

STAY! STAY!! STAY CONNECTED!!!

WOW=WORDS OF WISDOM!

WOW! Words Of Wisdom.

Wisdom. "My One Word" for 2025!

True wisdom is found in God's Word! 

(Romans 12:11 (NRSVA)

Versions might vary but can help broaden understanding;

Do not lag in zeal, In diligence, not slothful (ASV), Don't hesitate to be enthusiastic (CEB), Never give up (CEV) do not be lazy (ICB), Never flag in zeal (RSV) do not lagging in zeal; (TLV) not slow in business (WYC)

be ardent in spirit, fervent in spirit (ASV), be on fire in the Spirit (CEB), Eagerly follow the Holy Spirit (CEV), but work hard, (ICB) be aglow with the Spirit (RSV) be fervent in spirit, (TLV) fervent in spirit (WYC)

serve the Lord. serving the Lord; (ASV), as you serve the Lord! (CEB) serve the Lord with all your heart. (ICB) serve the Lord. (RSV) Keep serving the Lord. (TLV) serving to the Lord, (WYC)

In the final portion of the verse, regardless of the versions (American Standard Version, Common English Bible, International Children's Bible, New Revised Standard Version Anglican, Revised Standard Version, Tree of Life Version a Messianic Jewish translation, Wycliffe Bible) and varying  punctuation, Lord is always included and written with a capital L!

Written Wisdom. The Lord is the One to always serve!

MORNING--NOON--EVENING--NIGHT!

MORNING---What a great way to begin "my" day!

6:50 am wake-up.....because it is Saturday!

Serve one another humbly in love, (Galatians 5:13)

Be ye kind one to another, (Ephesians 4:32)

Set your minds on things above. (Colossians 3:2)

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Today my day will also start soon after with some of BB's yummy blueberry lemon poundcake with a candle in the middle.Hmmm! YUMMY! I could lick off the glaze after I blow out "my" candle! 

Calls. Cards. Texts. Emails, Gifts. 

Noontime lunch w/ hubby @ small place with outside patio and yummy spaghetti! (my fave) followed by more of BB's cake!! I did "share" a bit!

Some call it supper, others say dinner! I call it dessert on the porch with cake!!! I shared a bit with hubby and with grandson, Owen. He knew what was in store. After all she is "his" BB!

Nighttime. Lights out.....so no-one sees me taking a last serving of "my" cake!

Sunrise to sunset it was a glorious September 13!

INSPIRATIONAL READ!

Inspirational read!

Ever read a book that kept complaining at bay!?

Hope by the time I have finished the entire book, I will have set aside discontent, grumbling, murmuring and all complaining. 

No "kvetching" as Longreen Jewish neighbors, Brenda and Michelle would say. That present participle of persistent complaining doesn't need to be present in my life!

Inspirational read! The story of a 67 year old great-grandmother who was the  who was the first female to hike the entire Appalachian Trail alone. She who could sleep, without a sleeping bag on the ground tucked into leaves (I would prefer a good mattress and ironed pillowcases) and awake to shake a field mouse out of her hair and eat breakfast picked from surrounding berry bushes. Hers was a story of triumph from pain and hope from suffering and that was life before she began her walk. 

Her walks were more than a "walkabout Wednesday' as she ended up "putting one foot in front of the other--five million times (Grandma Gatewood's Walk, p.253) usually with a smile on her face.

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, (ESV)

Do all things without complaining and disputing, (NKJV, emphasis mine)

Emma Gatewood did and her actions ended up saving the Appalachian Trail. (AT)

AMEN TRUTH BEING TAUGHT!

"A picture can be worth a thousand words" is an idiom that suggests actually seeing an object or event is more helpful for learning than hearing descriptive language. 

Think visualization over verbal.

As an "English as a second language instructor" on a short term mission trip learned, a "combo of words and pictures" can speak volumes.Amen!

Visual reminders to help one recall the gospel message. So Be It!

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16, ESV)