ATTACK-A-STACK

"Plop and Drop" is not usually the best way to study God's words.

But....this past week as "State of Emergency" was declared by our President, I have been using a "stack and attack" method along with my regular quiet times of study and prayers.

During this time of isolation, recommended by the CDC to prevent spread of the coronavirus, hubby declared he had "tested positive" for boredom. Not wanting to give-in to that, I've been reading a different devotional each day---sometimes 2. It's amazing how my eyes have been opened to these familiar entries with new insight.

Have a look at what truths I have seen. Glean truth from them as you read my impressions (sometimes w/ emphasis) or read entire entry if you have that devotional book.

3/13~All to Jesus~We can trust Him with loose ends and unsolved problems ....He expects us to depend on HIm with life's outstanding problems. 

3/14~Streams in the Desert~Do not fear these unknown things, but be content to accept the things you cannot understand and to wait. (Exodus 20:21)

3/15~My Utmost for His Highest~ As they followed, they were afraid. (Mark 10:32)" When darkness of dismay comes, endure until it's over, because out of it will come that following of Jeuss which is unspeakable joy." 

3/16~God Calling~ "My children I am here beside you. Draw near in Spirit to me. Shut out the distractions of the World. In quietness and confidence will be your strength. (Isaiah 30:15)

3/17~St. Patrick's Prayer portions (Allen Bible)~I arise today with God's strength to pilot me; God's might to hold me, God's wisdom to guide me, God's eye to look before me--Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,  Christ on my right. Christ on my left,  Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I rise....

3/18~Jesus Calling~ Don't get tangled up in...worry- webs. Trust me one day at a time. Do not be anxious about tomorrow,....Sufficient for the day is it's own trouble (Matthew 6:34) The next entry stated, "Let the Spirit change your mind , combing out tangles of deception."

3/19~Practically Holy~"Hope rises. ...live out the hope of the gospel even in the face of stress and loss, and grimness of this place. ...but I trust God. I choose to hope in God". (Colossians 1:22-23)

3/20~Edges of HIs Ways, I spent lots of time this morning meditating on passage from 2 Chronicles 7:10-16.  As I finished that time of meditation I picked-up Amy Carmichael' daily devotional notes. She began the March 20 entry with a question, "Have you ever noticed this? Whatever need or trouble you are in, there is always something to help you in your Bible, if only you go on reading till you come to the word God specially has for you." Carmichael continued, You will know it the minute you come to it, and it will rest your heart." The words I found this morning during my quiet time had done just that...."humble self, pray and seek God's face....He will hear from heaven and heal our land." 

It was as if I had received a God wink of affirmation for my "attack the stack" endeavor this week.                     

It's been fun trying a new way to "attack the stack" as a way of refocusing on the Lord anew each day!

Meditation Monday, simply

3/12/12 Today's "God Calling" reminds me that "Simplicity is the keynote of the Kingdom. Choose simple things always." In this entry, one is even advised to always choose simple things and to love the simple. Is that why I have no phone or internet access at home. Should I "thank" Comcast instead of berating them.
What are the simple things I should choose. This week it's a houseful of grandboys.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all else will be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)

Now there's a Bible promise for today that is well worth considering.

Roller Coaster Emotions

6/28/10 You’d think I’d been riding the cyclone at Coney Island, if you could feel all the emotions that are flowing through my body. Gratitude. Joy, inexpressible. Sorrow---as I watched family depart. Happiness. Sadness---b/c of knowing times spent with loved ones, who live far away, is so rare. Fatigue---energy is spent from having so much fun (even in the midst of logistical nightmares) and so little sleep.

Because of “so much felt” and so little energy with which to express it, I almost didn’t “post” tonight. But God…..has reminded me, through today’s God Calling entry, that this past week it was He who “prepared a table of delights, a feast of all good things” for me and my family. It is because of Him that my life is flooded through with Joy and Gladness, even though I’m pooped.

Even in the midst of the fatigue, I can “feel” all these emotions from the “very depth of (my) heart” because of His continuing goodness and mercy. Rather than being turned upside down as I ride this rollercoaster of emotions, I am overflowing with gratitude because they are all a result of the family He has given me.
Therefore I’m posting this verse for consideration on this “Meditating Monday.”

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23:6)

…..even when I feel like I’ve just stepped off a rollercoaster.

Quiet Words

6/7/10 The days I had at the beach were glorious and “quiet.” The water roared sometimes, the waves crashed, thunder clapped, rain came, wind blew and whistled through the deck door but still there was a quietness. I was still; I could hear. It was easier to hear Him as the relentless clattering of the world was put on hold. God speaks quietly. God Calling (June 5 entry) reminded me to listen because He speaks quietly. It’s His voice I need to hear. As I listen, “anxious thoughts and tired nerves will become rested.”

And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. (II Kings 19:11-12)

Ah-h-h the still small voice of the Lord---it brings rest to my soul and joy to my weary bones. According to the prophet, Isaiah, hearing from the Lord brings life. Today be still, meditate on His word and listen for His still small voice. Then live in light of those quiet words that you hear.

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; (Isaiah 55:3)

Dancing term…………….“Light on your feet”

5/3/10 How does one keep “light on her feet” when dancing with a partner? Balance is important---so keep your focus. Posture too---helps you move as a unit of one with your partner. Listening is key. Are you listening to the same music? Being aware of the gentle nudge from your partner. Response is also very important so that you don’t have to be “jerked” into compliance. Don’t even try to anticipate your partner’s lead----just go with His flow. Whatever you do, don’t lead!
My God Calling “journal jottings” made during my surgery month last fall as I pondered Psalm 34:1-5 (KJV):

• First step in my dance with the Lord is Praise---Boasting in Him and magnifying Him is so much easier in the “closed position”—facing him, looking into His face, which opens the line of communication so that you are prepared to follow before fear even sets in. Burdens are lifted as I look to Him---

The result is lightness of heart, which I think translates to our feet so that we then have a “dance” (our Christian walk) to show the world. That's our final step---showing the world the beauty of a dance/life with Him.

1I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
3O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
4I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
5They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. (Psalm 34:1-5)

Graceful and beautiful dancing (being light on your feet) can be achieved through a gentle but definite lead, coupled with a sensitive and responsive follow. Allow the world to see your “dance” and thus glorify Him.

Z=Zephyr (and you thought we'd never get here)

2/15/10 Last month in God Calling, the “two listeners” were encouraged to “Listen quietly.” “Cultivate silence. God speaks in silences.” A silence, a soft wind. Each can be a message to convey My meaning to the heart, though by no voice, or even word.”

Zephyr is from the Greek word Zephyros meaning a slight wind (usually refreshing). We need to attune ourselves to our Zephyr—whether His nudges are slight breezes or the whirlwind. He’s the wind beneath our wings, the wind in our sail and the wind at our back. He’s always there. We need to live in that truth.

The LORD is slow to anger and great in power,
and the LORD will by no means clear the guilty.
His way is in whirlwind and storm,
and the clouds are the dust of his feet.
(Nahum 1:3, ESV)

Sunday Summary

1/24/10 WARNING----You might not want to read this. It might wear you out. But…..if you decide to read it, please continue to its conclusion because there is always hope at the end of this turbulent tunnel called life.
A “War of Words” has been going on in my mind these first three weeks of 2010. Warring is difficult----battles wear me out. But…..they are necessary otherwise the wrong thoughts will take over. Those thoughts of fear and uncertainty can become the focus and that wrong focus can wear one out! "For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7)

Granted there are things that I can’t change---aging, the Haiti catastrophe, work hours, grant deadlines, family illnesses and choices of others. Possibly my reactions and responses to these givens need something, but what? Turning off the nightly news might temporarily relieve me of the claustrophobic thoughts/fears of being buried alive and weeping for those who have had to endure that. I try to push down that fear with scripture knowing that He has not given us a “spirit of fear” but of power….so where’s my power-----what can I do to help the Haitians. God has given me valid ways. Now, how do I help others see God’s goodness in the midst of this?


Haitians have needs, family has needs, friends have needs. I have needs---coherent thoughts and an ability to articulate words that seem to “trip” coming out of my new mouth. I need more time for praise and prayer for folks with appropriate scripture verses and a computer that doesn’t frustrate me. I need to remember to remind my husband of how grateful I am for his support (dishwashing hands) and the down time he allows me, especially on weekends.
I’m overwhelmed. I need a nap! Actually, I really need exercise but the bed draws me more often than the walk, the weights or the swimming pool. I need a “mind” so that I don’t forget my keys or glasses as I rush out the door at 5:30am.


Doc visit last week reminded me that my own “forgetfulness” is probably exacerbated by aging (can’t change that), effects of anesthesia and surgery (can’t change that either) as well as stress and fatigue (3:15 am wakeups don’t help). Uh –hello, that list is not exactly an ah-ha moment, so what do I do about it. Doc rec was a good vitamin----which I forget to take ½ the time and cutting back. Where do you cut? I need more time and energy to minister to others. I’m too tired to even talk on the phone most nights. The One who is necessary, is NOT where I need to cut back but I am having to make creative adjustments and they don’t look very spiritual. I need to quit worrying about what the world sees (as if my testimony is of utmost importance) and only care about what God wants. His Goodness can get along without me. (Oh my---now there’s a thought that shouldn’t come as a shock.) God doesn’t need any of us but He delights in all of us. (Zephaniah 3:17)


Oh, He has given me glimpses of His grace all month---Michèle’s call, card & needle work reminders from HHS chum, pimento cheese, an encouraging blog comment, caring wise brothers, celebrations in Texas, Berlin UMC ‘s “Lord of the Dance” and timely e-mails. God’s way is glimpses of grace. I just happen to want gobs of grace and I want it yesterday. I want time. I want energy. I want it all and yet I can’t keep all those plates spinning. Sounds like too much of me and so little of Thee. How sad!
Once again I return to the juxtaposition of my human frailty and God’s strength. At this crossroad, I need to choose His power and give Him my limitations.
God Calling 1/23 entry “It (God’s power) is breathed in by the soul who lives in My Presence.”

This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
Your holy Presence
Living in me

(Mercy Me, 2002)

For 3 weeks “Word and Prayer” have been my bookends. Even though limited, this time is vital. It’s just not what it was when I was in Dallas----I’m not in Dallas anymore and God has really had to protect my back side as I have returned to work with less mind, less strength and new demands. He has given me grace for one step at a time. Grace for today. I know that’s true. I lived it for an entire year. That’s what I need to remember.
The Zephaniah verse also says “The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior” (In Him, the war is already won.) and Romans 8:37 reminds me “…in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. (Zechariah 4:6)
So welcome to my "Sunday mind"----not one of warring but one of acceptance. Now I can leave the war room and go to the ballroom where I can dance. I want to dance!

O is………..Omnipresence

1/1/10 Omnipresence is one of God’s divine attributes. God is present everywhere. It’s one of three characteristics that I dub as the ”all” attributes---omnipotence, “all powerful,” omniscience “all knowing” and omnipresent, “all the time.” It’s His unbounded universal Presence. He’s available always--in all situations and in all places. We just need to call upon Him in all places at all times.

If I have garnered anything from the past year, especially from “Jesus Calling,” it’s the importance of spending time in His Presence. Andrew Murray also emphasizes the importance of spending time alone with the Lord in quiet, uninterrupted communion. (The Secret of the Abiding Presence)

Today’s entry in “God Calling” reminded me that God stands between the years. He's there between the "auld lang syne"---those good ole days or not so good ole days and today and on into my future. “The light of My Presence is flung across the year to come.” What comfort that is!

Thou wilt make known to me the path of life; In Thy presence is fullness of joy: In Thy right hand are pleasures evermore. (Psalm 16: 11)

Prayer Place

10/5/09 Do you have a prayer place? Mine is a big chair in the corner of the living room. Out of the way and yet obvious, if you get my drift. It’s also beside a window that makes it perfect for seeing my cherry tree, that Josh gave me one Mother’s Day, as it changes with the seasons. Larry hauled the chair all the way from Charlene’s in Halls, TN for me because it was big enough that I could sit in it with my legs crossed under me. I also have a hand-sewn pillow whose fabric has bees embroidered on it----a reminder of Keeper of the Bees, a book loved by me and the two “dancers” in my life. It is also a perfect back support for my old back. The arms of this big old chair have been known to hold, all at once, 2-5 devotional books, a blue blog post-it pad, a box of Kleenix® for weeping Wednesdays (or just a drippy new nose and drooling new mouth) as well as a bowl of oatmeal.

Beside the chair is a decoupage red tray top table embellished with a fleur-de-lis like design that holds my “prizes”---a Bible, topped with my Metropolitan Museum of Art magnifying glass whose handle has carvings of Old Testament scenes, my Canterbury Cathedral mug that holds my assortment of pens, one is from The Cove and is a smooth writing kind with ink that seems to flow, a ballpoint duo which changes to a highlighter with just one turn, and my “extra sharp” sharpened pencils along with an assortment of highlighters differing in color---one comes with post-its in it allowing for page marking ease---and my ever present “Wite-Out.” Obviously not all folks understand my obsession with correctness but this self-professed “journaling junkie” prefers to tidy up mistakes, even in prayer journals. It is a malady that I am working on but have not quite conquered.
There’s also an assortment of perfect gifts on this small table ---a wonderful LUX fragrance candle with a silver cross accent, appropriately named Faith, handmade bookmarks, a MOTTAHEDEH dish that holds my Levenger plastic clips, assorted colored paper clips and sometimes my reading glasses, along with a National Trust leather coaster from Selworthy to hold my morning “cuppa.” The focal point of the table is a framed black and white picture of Daddy sitting in his rocker with his Bible opened and his Upper Room in his hand. The picture was a gift from brother, Buddy, and Charlotte and it is a treasure! The bottom of the table is anchored by my Mama Davenport’s family Bible and a “golf” watch fob that Larry hung there to assist this time compulsive lady who can sometimes let time slip away. Just to the side of this table is a wrought iron magazine rack (until I can afford a Canterbury style one) that is filled with folders of Allen Bible Church info, favorite verses, prayer portions, sermon notes, etc. It also holds a variety of old and new journals, and current reading materials---it really could use an overhaul at the moment.

The corner walls surround my prayer chair with other treasures/gifts. A hand- colored antique (300 years old) book plate, “Palma Dactylifera,” (Palm Sunday), two of Tony Williams antiquarian prints, one of Wells Cathedral and the other of remains of old Castle of Douglas, Larry’s grandmother’s family name. Tony and his wife, Liz, have provided housing for me on a couple of my England treks, from the coast to the most recent one in their Devon farmhouse. An iron cross with an antique patina and fleur-de-lis accents rounds out my prayer place.

So why Have I gone in to all this description of “my prayer place” which many of you have never seen? “My” place draws me! It awaits me! When I’m there, my mind and my spirit know why I’m there. Can you see why? Do you have such a place for prayer and meditation? If not, maybe now is the time to seek out such a place. Make it yours.

Streams in the Desert, (Oct.2) said, “In order to grow in grace we must spend a great deal of time in quiet solitude.” God Calling (Oct. 3) and yesterday’s “Upper Room” both cited the Psalm 46:10 verse.

“Be still and know that I am God;”

“God is the room I rest in.” (Thomas Merton)

Go now and find a place to think on these things.

Mis-steps in the Dance of Faith

9/16/09 You might have noticed that in the last few days I’m becoming verbose again in my blogging. Believe it or not, as Larry suggested, I’ve been trying to simplify---separate and simplify, emphasize nuggets only or get to the meat of the matter. Oh well! You might have also noted that I am up early, even early for me. For a gal that needs eight hours, I’m going to have to start going to bed before 7 o’clock.

As I stated yesterday, though not very succinctly, God has been getting my attention and answering some of my prayers from my daily devotional readings---which obviously are best done early in the day. God Calling (a book that inspired our Jesus Calling author) was the other one on 9/14 to remind me………”this cry of the human heart ………expresses the soul's progress.” I was feeling as if my faith was slipping and right away the title, “When Faith Fails” hooked me.

• “As a soul realizes Me and My Power, and knows Me as Helper and Savior, that soul believes in Me more and more. At the same time it is more conscious than before of its falling short of absolute trust in Me.”

Believing more and more and yet at the same time feeling my utter lack of faith---such tension I was feeling!

Mark 9:24 "Lord, I believe. Help Thou mine unbelief" is often the cry of my heart.

Simply put in God Calling:

• “The soul's progress - an increased belief - then a cry for more faith - a plea to conquer all unbelief, all lack of trust.

• That cry heard. That prayer answered. More faith, and at the same time more power to see where trust is lacking.”

I felt like I was trying to do my faith dance with 2 left feet but God………..heard the cry of my heart and spoke to me through His Word and a morning devotional.

If I should say, "My foot has slipped," Your lovingkindness, O LORD, will hold me up. Psalm 94:18

God’s Word doesn’t say there won’t be mis-steps throughout our lives, only that He’ll be there to keep us from fallin’ headlong.

The dance/steps (translation mine) of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way.
When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand. (Psalm 37:23-24)

It’s also good to have a fellow believer to encourage you as you execute your dance of faith day after day, year in and year out.

If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Eccles. 4:10

So, I’m going to put my dancing shoes on and “boogie” on out the door and down the road to work.

Jude 1:24 “Now to Him who is able to keep you from falling…..and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy,…. To Him be the glory! A-men and A-men!

♪♪♪ SINGING ♪♪♪

8/22/09 Singing, not dancing, what’s up??
Words like overwhelmed and fatigue or phrases like “rest stop needed” or “gotta dance” seemed destined to dominate this morning’s blog entry. But God……(as I sat with Bible open to John 15, seeking to abide in Him, and devotionals on my lap) led me to the need to sing---with me that’s more like a joyful noise. “Sing for joy in the Lord…Sing praises to Him…Sing to Him a new song." (Psalm 33:1-3)
"God, what direction are you trying to take me?" Focus on self needs to change---that seemed to be the answer.
Song is good for that. There was too much of me---EGO---self-absorption about my pain, my problems, my suffering, etc. EGO is an acronym for Edges God Out. When I edge Him out, I allow fear, which is a lack of trust, to creep in.
Today’s Jesus Calling said, “view trials as exercises to develop your trust-muscles” and concluded with “sing praises to Me.” God Calling reminded me to, “Learn from My Life of the suffering that saves others. So, you will sing in your pain.” I’ve asked the Lord to put a “new song” in my heart.
That’s where I am this morning, where are you?

1I waited patiently for the LORD;
And He inclined to me and heard my cry.
2He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay,
And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.
3He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God;
Many will see and fear
And will trust in the LORD (Psalm 40:1-3)

Confessions of a Nap Queen

5/19/09 Napping
I am a self-professed napper-----in all the verb tenses. I nap. I have always napped---as far back as I can remember. In college my friends teased me that I majored in early childhood because napping was a part of the curriculum. One friend, Susan, also used to tease me that my tombstone would read, “Just down for a 5 minute nap.” I will continue to nap every chance I get. It is beneficial to me---some folks say it’s good for the heart. My naps are more of the short power nap variety. Today my nap helped refresh my mind from a tiring day. According to William Anthony, author of the Art of Napping at Work, a 20-minute nap can improve your overall alertness, boost your mood, and increase productivity. I, at least, wait until I get home to nap. Naps are restful for me!

There is also a theology of resting. I’m just scratching the surface with it but…… knowing Him allows real rest. Today’s God Calling entry said one is able to rest knowing all is safe in God’s hands. “Rest is trust.” It’s more than just ceasing from activity. It’s an active knowing. “Be still (cease striving) and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) Note that the verse doesn’t end with just the ceasing of activity—that can be a form of distrust---but it becomes rest/trust, as one knows that He is God!
I can rest in God and that’s a real refreshing, beneficial power nap---one that’s really good for my heart.
Tonight, “Rest in the Lord,” (Psalm 37:7) knowing that He gives to His beloved even as they sleep.