FIRST LOVE!

HAPPY VALENTIN'E'S DAY!!!

WE LOVE BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US. 

(1 JOHN 4:19)

REFRESH OTHERS WITH LOVE!

It's a new month!

May all be done in the LORD'S love to Refresh others!

FRIDAY FELLOWSHIP FRIENDS!

True friends from afar....are never far!

Faithful friends.

They are God's servants who accompany Him to serve me when I am going through Deep Waters. (Isaiah 43:2)

Mightier than the waves of the sea 

is His love for you. (Psalm 93:4)

Friends in fellowship keep in touch with prayers and notes.....many days, not just Friday.

KINDNESS COMMENTS AND BEYOND!

How rewarding to receive a special gift from a dear couple who have been longtime friends! A kind gift---a book I had never read! A book full of kindness woven into life's complexities. The book had me at the humor on the dedication page all the way to the PROLOGUE! 

Did I mention even a gift offering at the end?

Theo of Golden, published in 2023 when I had an occipital lobe stroke & I was unable to read without audio help. This timely 2025 gift became for me a book to savor. 

Often I saw examples of where joy and sorrow could co-exist. It reminded me of 2 Corinthians 6:10 phrases "as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing, as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing but possessing everything."

"Sadness and joy can co-exist" as seen in the lives of some in Golden. Theo's "friend" Asher believed "for anything to be truly good, there must be love in it. He then asked Theo how does one know if something has love in it? Theo responded ".....That is the question, isn't it? And I'm not sure I know the answer either. But God does. (Theo of Golden, p. 129. Emphasis mine)

Amen. God knows the answers we need!

Throughout the book, I sensed Theo's wisdom was sadness can make one bitter or wise. 

Hmm-- Sadness can make one bitter or wise.

Metaphorically, I'll take that one step further......

The choice is ours! But God knows the best answer. 

PSALM ON SHIRT!

Traveling quite a distance with hubby to a Carolina Hand & Sports Medicine clinic, we took a quick left onto Old Balsam Rd. It was the beginning of a couple of God winks!

The place was packed; the staff were plentiful and helpful. Still lines existed to taste the apples and buy sweet "apple" treats of cider, turnovers, fritters, cookies, loaf cakes, apple pies, slushies  etc. 

But God, in His love and mercy took it a step further to a spiritual realm.

H, our check out gal, had a sweet spirit and a Psalm on her shirt. 

Front and Back. 

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. (Psalm 42:1) 

Conversation ensued. Leaving us more prepared for the upcoming doc appointment! If that's not a "God Wink" I don't know what is!

Soul strengthening is reason we stopped there again as we headed home. H had us laughing and sharing Elvis stories....though we did purchase a few turnovers and fritters to share with godly but ailing neighbors!

All because of a Psalm on a Shirt!

KEY TO PERSEVERANCE!

Moving! Think to another location.

Uprooting and relocation are easier for some than for others.

I am one of the others! Many in the last season of life might say that.

But God....in His love and mercy can provide grace needed for any of our uprooted moments when relocating. He has given us Himself!

Allow Him to change your new address into a "grace place" of refuge.

Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come. 

(Psalm 71:3, ESV)

Truth in His word provides refuge......the key to perseverance!

ROOTED IN LOVE!

Rooted in Love!

May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love an founded securely on love, (Ephesians 3:16-18, AMPC)

A former FEC pastor familiar with the writings and struggles of Anne Lamont, sometimes would quote her, without endorsing all she says. That's what I'm doing here.

• Love is a root system. (p. 8)
• Love is compassion. (p. 9)
• Love is what our soul is made of, and for. (p.10)
• Love is a piece of toast and a diamond. ((p. 10) Think either. (DAL)

Shared love, rooted in Christ, with other believers is a reflection of God's love. (John 13:34-35) Think fellowship. Genuine love for one another that mirrors Jesus' love. Being there for each other during hardships and struggles. Over a piece of toast or a cuppa tea. For a few minutes or an hour.

Love is an action!

Love is rooted in the Father's Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

SLPPING AND SLOSHING!

A RAINY DAY---weather can be a deterrent for one who is on a cane and "not in the mood" to get drenched.

But God in His love and mercy had us in route. We grabbed an umbrella & stayed the course. (Ephesians 2:4)

It became more of an auditory walk----we heard raindrops and splashes with every step. We began to savor those quiet moments wrapped in rain. 

We even took our umbrella down to relish our sense of touch.

How grateful for a new "walk" perspective---muscle mass might not have been improved but my spirit was. 

I felt like singing in the rain----what a happy refrain....."singin' just singin' in the rain." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

ROADSIDE REMINDERS!

God's Way to get my attention is often on a roadside sign that leads right to our house. Side by side signs!

REST is GOD's LOVE!

"REST is GOD's LOVE!" needs to be in my vocabulary.

In a humorous way, the sign to the left could be a reminder to practice "rest" or one continue on to the Mountain View Manor Nursing Home just around the corner.

ABIDE!

ABIDE! Love that word!

In fact, I love all of John 15.

It was a significant chapter for me in beginning to seek God's Word for truth.

As always, Scottie Smith gives me new insight!

Keep stunning and saturating us with your truth O Lord as we  seek Thee. 

You're easy to find when your addresses is our heart!

May I continue to think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

You ask me How I know He lives, He lives within my  heart!

GOD'S LOVE! GOD'S GIFT!

GOD'S LOVE! 

God's Gift. The time came. Good news brought.

Praises. Wonder. Thanks. Love.

Keep yourselves in the love of God......(Jude 1:21)

Tea in hand, I read Margie's card again and again.  Then, I picked up hubby's Bible and read more good news.

The Savior, the Messiah came. (Luke 2:11)

The Son of Man will come again.....in glory! (Luke 21:27)

fer-TEA-lizer

Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. (Ephesian's 3:17, NLT)

Things do grow better with love---God's love.

For God's truth to take root in one's soul, one needs to experience His love and forgiveness. Then, stand back because growth will occur. 

As plants are nourished through photosynthesis that uses energy from sunlight, believers receive nourishment for growth from the Son's life of light, through the grace of God's love. Strength and energy---a spiritual fertilizer.

God's love is the needed fer-TEA-lizer for my cuppa spiritual growth.

"hef-TEA cuppa"

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. (Colossians 3:12-13, NASB) 

"Born Loser" cartoon's character, Thornapple, shared his reliance on a cup of coffee to face his day, remarking, "I think I'm going to need a bigger cup." (Commercial Appeal, A8) Certainly there are days like that in everyone's life. 

However, we can easily fill our cups with harmful ingredients. This morning during my "Tea With Thee" time, I focused on the attributes of "blends" that I did NOT want in my cuppa. Greed, anger, malice, lying, abusive speech from my mouth. (Colossians 3:5-9) Those are dregs not needed. Yet, when one's body is tired, those characteristics can take center stage.

BUT GOD.....reminded me that love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)

So.....fill me up Lord. More of Thee, less of me.

Sipping a hef-TEA cuppa of God's love. A great way to face each new day!

"identi-TEA": a Re-brew

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; (Jeremiah 1:5a, NIV)

Those words were spoken by the Lord to the prophet Jeremiah. They are true for us today, as well.  God, as creator, even knows and names the stars. (Isaiah 40:26.) But as our creator, God factors love into His relationship with man.  We are known and personally loved by our Good Shepherd; (John 10:14) He calls us friend. (John 15:15) He calls us by name. (John 10:13) He has set us apart for the plans He has for us, as Jeremiah continued in the verse.
Therefore Our true identity is in Him.

This morning's cuppa of identi-TEA was my third one. In October of 2010, I began with the many ID badges I had worn in my life time and concluded with, "I plan to savor my identi--TEA with a “cuppa”----Lyons Gold Blend---as I begin my day with Him, because that’s the identity that counts for eternity. In July 2011, as I was entering a new season in life, I had begun to reflect on and rethink my identity---wondering how others might "see" me.

Now-a-days,  I ask, "Do my actions allow others to "see" my true identity? Child of God.

Once again, on this snowy February morning in 2014, I'm spending "Tea With Thee" time with my Lord sipping a cuppa true identi-TEA. A cuppa poured into my heart by the One whose sacrifice gave me that identitiy. My ID is really His ID imparted.

Remember---the Lord calls you by name, even your nickname...
 or your grandparent one!

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! (1 John 3:1) 

UNRECOGNIZABLE

11/1/13 Unrecognizable.....at least to most folks. When the masks are on, people don't knew what really lies underneath. Masks can make one feel safe. 

Only when the masks are removed can the "real" person be seen. So why is it so hard sometimes to take off the masks, especially in Christian circles. Inferiority. Shame. Fear.

Yet to those who truly know and accept them, warts and all, the person underneath those layers is visible and loved, regardless. Masked or unmasked.

God loves all His children in that way, even when our potential for goodness is unrecognizable by others. Masked or unmasked---just loved.

5 little (& not so little) Texans, recognized and loved by this grandmother.

Research says….

8/10/13 Statistics show……Research indicates……Current research confirms…..

As an educator these phrases easily catch my attention. But also, as an educator, I’m skeptical because I understand that data can be manipulated or “read & interpreted” in order to substantiate what the researcher purports as truth.

Years ago a study that caught my attention claimed, “...family who plays together stays together.” Beyond that result, was the claim that the top activity under the “play” finding was camping. In other words, the camping aspect of play seemed to really seal the deal for keeping the family together. 

I liked that idea but…..after a week in the woods with 6 grands, the word “play” is a misnomer. Camping is work. Camping necessitates working together. Such work is probably just as valuable as the “fun.”  At least, that’s my experience.

This past week K-Love shared some “research findings” which experientially I have found to be true.  In a “Well Being” study, the research showed that well-being comes from doing for others. In others words “doing good” is better for you than feeling good.

Scripture calls it “one anothering”  in 30+ verses. 

Serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13)

But if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us. (1 John 4: 12)

Certainly God’s love in a person would enhance his/her well-being.

That research finding, based on truth of Scripture, rings true to me!

Measuring Up

8/3/13 Measuring up. Isn't that what we all try to do? Too often, we continually try to "measure up" to a parental expectation, a culture/society benchmark, or self-induced standard. It's as if "measuring up" will bring esteem and love from others.

For some, it's a life long pursuit that is never quite attained. Adolescent girls want to be shorter or cuter, boys (in our family) tend to want to be stronger and more athletic. Everyone seems to want to be smarter or more successful by the world's measuring stick.

As I watched John Parker (5) stand on his tip-toes by the NASCAR measuring stick, all those thoughts came to mind. 

From his tip-toed positioned feet, he said, "See. I'm big (tall) enough!" 

I know that I am "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14) and with God "there is therefore now no condemnation" for believers, and that He "loves me with an everlasting love." (Jeremiah 31:3 & Romans 5:8) Yet, how easy it is to see myself trough the world's eyes instead.....causing me to stand on my tip-toes as once again I "try" to measure up.

I need to trust God's measuring stick. Thankfully, because of Christ, I'll always measure up.

Obligations

7/5/10 Have you been there, done that and survived? In the area of suffering have you not only survived but thrived? Then, you need to pass it on!

Last year, Michèle did just that for me, first in an e-mail and then more fully in a blog with great pictures that enhanced the analogy.

But the gist is this---“the responsibility we have, as survivors, ….stand at the top and call down to those still struggling to the summit. Whether they’re emotional, physical, or spiritual, the mountains we’ve conquered are not ours to own, but ours to share. We might not always want to revisit the pain we’ve suffered or the crippling we’ve endured, but if we don’t offer them to others as a testimony of God’s sustenance and love, our fellow travelers may not have the courage to find their way to the top.”

Plus, it’s scriptural---so pass “it” on to others as Michèle has passed “it” on to me----what ever your “it” of comfort has been from the Lord as well as from those in the “land of the living.”

II Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who (comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

N is for Nigh

12/30/09 The Lord is as close as our “breath prayers.” He has said He will never leave us nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) So why sometimes does it “feel” as if He’s distant??

A couple of days ago I wrote that I had trouble wrapping my brain around God’s love. After meditating on His love for me, I’ve decided that I can wrap my brain around it; it’s just my heart that has trouble. Sometimes it’s easier for me to figure scripture out theologically and to “spout” it than it is to move those truths a few inches southward to my heart and “feel” it as I live it out. Ever had that problem?

God is near---all the time. Billy Graham once said, one doesn’t feel the heat of the fire when one moves away from it even though the fire is still there." It’s the same in our relationship with the Lord. If we don’t feel the warmth from that relationship---guess who’s moved?

Want the warmth? Want to “feel” His presence? Get back into the Word! “But the Word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that you mayest do it.” (Deuteronomy 30:14)
Start with Psalm 73---especially verses 25-28a.

Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You. But as for me, the nearness of God is my good;

Extinguish your lights tonight with “Taps” knowing He is indeed nigh.

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

Thanks and praise, for our days,
'Neath the sun, 'neath the stars, neath the sky;
As we go, this we know, God is nigh.

Happy Valentine’s Day

2/14/09 Love is in the air---or it should be---with every breath you take! Have you shown God’s love to someone today?! Remember there’s a world of hurting people---everyone has a burden or some kind of “baggage,” so let’s be sensitive and extend a “hand” of grace and love to family, friends and beyond. I’m getting a little “preachy” here, aren’t I?? It’s because my experience with my rare cancer, aka Big MAC, has clearly shown me the difference the depth of His love for me and the love from others has made in my life. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13) How grateful I am to have a Savior who laid down His life for me. Today, may I lay down my self-centeredness---dying to “self “ in every way, that I might love others better.