Pithy Grabbers

Succinct phrases that "grab" your attention have been dubbed by me as pithy grabbers----of which, I am a fan! No one knows that better than ljj who finally made a "pithy grabbers" file for our library.

When entertaining, Mother 's pithy grabber was, "a doily covers a multitude of sins" (think foibles/faux pas/mess) 

"My" Molly & I are always saying a doily covers a multitude of something__________.

Recently  she added "a vest is the doily of outerware as it covers a multitude of sin__________(think overeating) 

Religiously I assume that the Catholic doily-like head-coverings worn by women and the skullcap/yarmulke worn by Jewish men are an example of penitence as a way of "covering a multitude of sins" so that they can honor God.

Church Signs 

especially in the "South" 

often display thoughts that are....

pithy with a punch----

packing a lot of weight 

to remind others of "doing right!"

Sweet friend, Margie Hornor, is always adding to my "pithy" repertoire. She introduced me to arrow prayers.  Just those  two words indicate the forceful trajectory of said prayers----launched from earth and heading upward to God. 

Panic Prayers are similar (pithy plus alliterative, of which I am also a fan). Think URGENCY in all CAPS when there's no time for words. "HELP!" comes to mind

Recently Margie introduced me to "stinking thinking." Doesn't that just "reek" of negativity. 

The good news is, she gave a remedy for the stinking diagnosis---a grateful heart!

Dorm friend, Susan Featherston Coates, who knew me well suggested a pithy grabber for my tombstone---"just down for a quick nap." NOT only do fewer letters appeal to this "frugal fanny," but it lets the world know of my sleep patterns.

Nowadays, I'm rethinking that choice.

How's this for a tea aficionado?

"She ran out of tea." More a epithet than an epitaph....but it's a perfect final "pithy grabber" for me!

W.A.I.T.

Prayer is two way! 

We cry-out, petition, plead, etc. God listens.

God speaks....but do we listen? Have we forgotten it is a conversation? Have we forgotten how to "take turns" in our prayer life.

For many prayer is "one-way". We talk and then we talk some more. (James 1:19)

We shoot those arrows in the air and then go about our way, not reading His word or staying still long enough to hear His answer. (Psalm 46:10)

In this morning's prayer time, Carolyn W. shared a great acronym, W.A.I.T. to keep us mindful of the wisdom of controlling our words. 

  W--Why

  A---am

I----I

         T---Talking

Practice listening more, with both God and others, might be a good resolution for most folks. Wait your turn to talk....but remember to listen as you wait.

Du-TEA-ful Prayers

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. 

(Ephesians 6:18, NIV)

My prayer life seems anything but "normal." It seems as if I can run "hot and cold."

Prayer is personal. So....how can I sometimes feel that I fail at it.

On days when I see my cuppa as half empty instead of half full, I concern myself with distinguishing between intercession and petition if I'm praying for others.  If I'm thanking the Lord for his creation of colorful foliage and shrubs with berries on my "praise walk" which is it? Praise or thanksgiving ? Can it count for both? Does it matter?

It seems as if I blog a lot about needing help with my prayer life. But God....in His love and mercy continues to meet me right where I am accepting all my "heartfelt attempts" regardless of the method---or even lack thereof.

Du-TEA-ful and deligh-TEAful cuppas reminding me that any conversation with the Lord which comes from the heart is A--OK!