F.A.T. TESTIMONY

F.A.T. ---I'm not talking about tipping the scales to measure our "pandemic lockdown" weight gain.

I'm talking a FAT-ness one should aspire to in his/her lifetime.

Yesterday, a "top of the page" (for emphasis) 2018 journal entry 2/21 caught my eye.

Billy Graham was 99 when he went home to glory! Many of us recalled when we had attended a BG crusade or been to The Cove. We also watched his funeral. The televised memorial flashbacks of his  life-long journey with the Lord still produced fruit. (Psalm 92:14) 

In my journal entry, I had recorded that one of his sons at the funeral said that his dad was fat---

F.A.T. in the best way. 

F--aithful

A--vailable

T--eachable

Wouldn't we all like to be remembered with such F.A.T.-ness!

CONSIDER LIGHT

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.....(Psalm 119:105).....And the way to my soul, according to Dr. David Jeremiah.

Light shines in the darkness

In Dr. Billy Graham's life, Christ's light shone brightly even at his final crusade, his funeral.

The symbolic light found it's way to rest upon the top of his casket.....

(Picture from Anne Graham Lots newsletter)

......like a BIG stamp of approval Father God bestows on His good and faithful servant.         (Matthew 25:21)

CONSIDER YOUR LEGACY

Billy Graham died today, February 21, 2018. Christians worldwide know that he just changed his address to a heavenly abode.

What a life! What a legacy! https://memorial.billygraham.org

The way we live, what we believe and care about are all a part of the legacy we leave. Billy Graham lived out his beliefs before his family and the world. 

Such a spiritual heritage that is rare these days.

"If we don't intentionally pass on a legacy consistent with our beliefs, our culture will pass along its own." (Focus on the Family)

One cannot leave what they do not possess. (B. Liles, ABC)

Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, ......... And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things. (2 Peter 1:12-15, ESV)

Like the apostle Peter, Billy Graham's life of belief in the love of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ is reminder to all generations to live a life that is worthy to be recalled by our world, after their passing.

May considering Graham's legacy reminded us to consider the importance of our own---a spiritual heritage worthy of recall.

CHOOSE: TO LEAVE A LEGACY

You cannot impart what you do not possess. (Howard Hendricks, DTS)

You leave what you live. Legacy in a nutshell!

O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come. (Psalm 71:17-18, ESV)

Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. (1 Peter 1:12)

A spiritual legacy is what I choose---so that my children and my grandchildren might walk in truth. 

CHOOSE: MEDITATION

Meditation Monday---Nothing more needed than my old favorite New American Standard Bible.
Plus, on page 14, it has the yellow highlight marks from Josh at age 2.
An open Bible with a 2 year-old in your lap is always a special time for meditation.

http://dotsydetails.blogspot.com/2015/07/meditation-mine-or-thine-q-and-a.html
Today I was able to meditate on Isaiah 45:18-22 with two Prayer for Revival warriors.
Prayer overflows from the meditation on His word which always comes first!
What a time of praising the creator of heaven and earth knowing that He speaks truth and declares what's right. (Isaiah 45:19, NIV)
What a privilege to have prayer partners!

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: A MOUNTAINTOP EXPERIENCE

11/11/12 These pics will probably speak for themselves of the beauty of His creation and the importance of worshipping together with those in "the household of faith."

Lake Junaluska, NC---Carolyn Ferrell will recognize---from ? (1963, CMF)

Memorial Chapel at UMC Conference and Retreat Center at Lake Junaluska

Pilgrim Inn at Billy Graham Training Center at "The Cove" in Ashville, NC

The Chatlos Memorial Chapel at The Cove---a mountain sanctuary nestled under a canopy of colorful autumn trees with antique pews from the Royal London Society for the Blind, and chandeliers of handcrafted wrought iron

Drawn to kneel in prayer as I "lifted mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help."

Meditation Musings

2/27/12 When meditating on God’s Word, what is most important?  Scripture selection? Time? Place? Is amount of time more important than a place with no distractions? Is a long passage better than a few verses? Does posture matter? The answers to all these questions will vary from person to person based on individual situations and often even on one's season of life. Time frame might be decided based on one’s schedule or sleep patterns.  What matters is meditation. Spending time in God’s word.

Today I decided to read only 3 verses from Colossians chapter 3. Though it’s only 3 verses, Billy Graham emphasizes that the Lord can even use only “ a few verses at a time” to “reshape your life.” (Nearing Home p. 154)

Foster, too, states, “It is better to take small portions and digest them fully that to attempt to gorge yourself and get spiritual indigestion.” (Foster, p. 131)

I began by reading this passage aloud in its entirety----somewhat along the lines on an example given in Sanctuary of the Soul. (Foster, p. 124)

After reading aloud once, I went back and prayerfully asked God to focus my attention on verses that needed my attention. I reread, underlining words or phrases that stood out to me.

I waited in “listening silence” (Foster, p. 125)

Then I "steeped" some more by reading only the underlined words. 

The single phrase that stood out was “chosen of God” and that’s the 3 words I’m carrying with me to “think on” for the next few days. Already I’m asking myself if my actions are consistent with that privilege, “chosen of God” and what kind of heart does one “chosen of God” put on every day?

12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

I’m still musing this verse. Muse with me. Let me know your meditation musings either on Colossians 3: 12-14 or whatever verses the Spirit has for you.

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW!

1/17/12 That's it----that's just what I want. His voice of direction. If I can't hear it, then I'd like to see it---something I can't miss! (My quote from yesterday's blog.)

Mail left on my kitchen table yesterday afternoon. A 2012 program booklet from the Billy Graham Training Center. (The Cove)
Can you hear me now, Dotsy?

My answer---As if on auto-pilot, I turned to Anne Graham Lotz seminar for next November.
I registered. Wouldn't you?

When reading the description, I stood amazed----actually, I had to sit down. "If we want to hear more of His voice....."

Could it be any clearer? Could it be any louder?

I think I can hear Him now.