ROCKY PATHS!

ROCKY PATHS.....

........some are worth the struggle. Some seem to lead nowhere.

Possibly learning patience in our struggles strengthens hope along the rocky paths.Hope is a much needed attribute of life. 

Think--- Mindset of hope often strengthened in our struggles comes as we lean into Him for Strength. Remember, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

Set your mind on it!

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)

Mindset #4 Allow struggles of life to remind us to rejoice even in our sufferings along life's rockiest paths.

God's word provides the best mindset on this Thankful Thursday!

LEFT HANGING!

Ever been in a lurch?! A vulnerable and unsupported position.

Think……….left hanging!    Dangling!!

Even worse......hanging upside down for almost 30 minutes! 

It can happen anytime. Anywhere! (Even peeing and vomiting) It doesn't have to be on a broken 10 story high pendulum ride at Oaks Park amusement park  in Oregon.

Precarious pendulum dubbed AtmosFEAR had commentators' catastrophic remarks loudly calling out, "Oh my God...." and "Jesus Christ."

I prayed for safety of the riders along with hopes that the commentator who used the personal pronoun "my" for God, truly knew Him. Who do people call out to in distressing, uncertain times? We all know the "correct" answer. 

But God.....puts answers in His Word.* During stress, those might come quickly or maybe relegated to one word. "Help."

But God won't leave you hanging!

*Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” - (Isaiah 41:10)

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - (Joshua 1:9)

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble....(Psalm 46:1)

He asks us to take our fears, worries, and anxieties to Him because He cares about us and wants good things for our lives (1 Peter 5:7).

FLOUNDERING FORTITUDE!

STRENGTH diminishing! Why? What's the Source.....other than age or too much "me"?

Is it discouragement? Disappointment? Depression? Disease? Irritable-heart 

syndrome? 

Acceptance is the key.

This morning, the mirror on my chest clearly reminded me. "In my Face!"

Then, Scotty Smith's words for today re-emphasized the truth God already had  for me.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Two “I Am’s” + Three “I Will’s” = Deep Peace

CALM THE QUALM

Don't panic; I'm with you. (5 words or less) (Isaiah 41:10a, MSG)

No such button available in my life. 

But God in His love and mercy has given us His word and His Son, who is the word. (Ephesians 2:4, John 1:1)

Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; (Psalm 37:7, NKJV)

Fret not, Dots.....to calm the qualm!

GOD IS NEAR!

Sometimes one can feel discouraged, even on Valentine's Day.....especially if your schedule includes lab work, more injections and a less than "perfect" medical prognosis. One can begin to wonder, "Is God Near?"

0f course He is. My faith tells me so. 

So do not fear, for I am with you; (Isaiah 41:10a)

He Has appointed our times and and the boundaries of our habitation, that we might seek Him..... and find Him, though He is not far from from each one of us. (Acts:17: 26-27) I remember once at the beach I commented, I wish God would just show me the way----like write it in the sky. He did. Within minutes a small plane pulling a banner came by with a Jesus Cares type quote on it. Does that happen often. That specifically.....no. But it can happen.

Today at the BCC, I came without a mask, no pre check-in completed on-line and I'm sure a look of dread on my face. Then,Torrie @the desk greeted me with a big smile, a Valentine's greeting, a comment about my cane with bling and a mask. The lab work didn't even sting. My next door neighbor's friend was PA on duty who consulted with me over my "labs."

Back to the waiting room I opened up Whirly Word game on my phone to while the time away as I waited for the next phase of treatment.

New game appeared.

Do you see it? THE scrambled 6 letter word in the circle?

Called back for my "turn," I ran into neighbor Angela's mom in the infusion room. 

Two least painful injections I've had of 22 so far!

God has a way of showing me "hope" in the midst of pain. Maybe pain for injections today was the same but it felt different to me. 

Usually when they inject I reflect the pain wanting to reject the needle quickly....whether on the inside of my elbow for blood, or subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

When nurse came to inject, i was ready. God was near. 

Green light on the game gives one the "go" to complete the task.Can you see I typed the 6 letter word needed?

To you that might be pie in the sky thinking, or  just weird. 

To me, it's none of that. It's God assuring me, He is always near.

*Years ago, friend Lynn Mc deemed co-incidence as a Christ Ordained incidence.

SOS!

Almost two weeks ago Israel was attacked by a militant group led by Hamas in a coordinated surprise offensive. A barrage of rockets. 

No warnings.
In Ukraine, warnings seem constant. Air raid sirens regardless time of day. Ukrainian friends certainly understand those SOS signals to take cover. They "hear" warnings. Others see warnings of flashing lights or on road signs. Even signs erected by the ocean can warn of what's coming. 

The full form of SOS is Save Our Souls; aka Save Our Ship. 

A Morse code distress signal to  indicate danger.

These days in our culture there seems danger at every turn. 

Some surprising. Some expected. All can add fear!

I turn to God's WORD for my response---again and again. 

It's where I find the SOS I need.

Strength Of Savior (Isaiah 41:10)

Shelter Of Savior (Psalm 91:1-2)
I appreciate the Sense Of Security God gives when I renew my mind with His Word! (Psalm 23:4)

SEE THE CROSS!

Do you see it---the cross that is?

 

Keep your FOCUS on the cross! (Hebrews 12:2)

ACRONYMS ABOUND!

Acronyms abound----on jars of jam, no less.

T.O.E. Jam made me laugh!!

Eventually, I realized the acronyms let a customer know contents of the jams.

I liked my THOTS better.

T rust                  T hrow                               T urn

O nly                   O ut                                  O n

E lohim                E expectations (of others)      E encouragement

Stick your toe in the positive "waters of words" to encourage others!

N.A.P.

I am always up for a nap....or down for....the quick snatch of sleep time.

But this morningI found a better N.A.P.! It was on my laptop screen and I cannot remember the source. Imagine that!!

How blessed it is to be able to give others a Non Anxious Presence in the middle of the storms of their life, your life or both.

Today, may all "busy, hurrying and scurrying" folks heed and N.A.P. knowing God is with; Our Sovereign Lord is in control.

FAITH-FAMILY-FRENDS!!!

Faith. Family. Friends.

What do those three words have in common? 

The funeral of David Reid Manley, an amazing man with a soft heart and a servant's spirit, who would have appreciated Elvis singing "Precious Lord!"

A true celebration of a life-well lived by a PawPaw who loved the Lord first and allowed that love to overflow in service to family and others! 

Many of those who loved him filled the sanctuary. Fellow wood workers, deer hunters, jokesters and furniture movers. Most all of us were clad in Memphis blue to honor David's passion, as a Highland Hundred Tiger Booster. Even his Ole Miss chum.

Pastor Rob Mullins (Crossroads Baptist Church) offered comforting reminders from God's Word to those in attendance.

Remember--   

• God's Presence---Do not fear, I am with you...(Isaiah 41:10)
• God's Promises---For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. 
• God's Peace---We have been made right with God because of our faith. Now we have peace with him because of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1)
• God's People---I am confident I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13) His wife Nina & the family have seen that goodness from texts, emails, cards and of course, casseroles from the Baptists. (Rob Mullins)

Mr. Manley had such a generous, servant's heart. I know that first hand. I received one of his hand-carved comfort crosses to take with me to Texas for all my cancer surgeries in 2009. What a treasure for me!

David Manley was a John 13:35 man--- all knew he was a disciple of the Lord because he had love for others without ever expecting or needing a thank you.

Certainly faith, family and friends are proof of a life worthy of celebration!

BLESS THE LORD!

The sun comes up it's a NEW day dawning! Let me sing!

As 4 yr. old Jack says, "The sun's awake so I'm awake!"

Can you see the cross in the sky? A great reminder that God's always awake!

God who  is rich in Love land has a kind heart. Bless the LORD!

But....the real question is.............will I still be singing when the evening comes?

The answer is? He is the answer! 

Bless the LORD!

FROM A CLINIC BED TO A CHURCH YARD!

An encouraging quote reverberates regardless of its location!

Thanks to the clout of high school chum, Joyce Ann, my God Wink quote from an EKG room, is now on the lawn of a church in Owensboro, KY. 

There is nothing more encouraging than the prayers and actions of friends in the faith......whether in a clinic bed or a church yard! (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

WHERE ARE YOU HEADED?

Do you sometimes feel at your wits end as if your falling headlong into the deep?

This signage reminded me of that question from a long ago journal entry.

I'm not even sure what this signage indicates. It certainly caught me off guard as it reflected those long ago feelings mixed with today's realities.

The answer 36 years ago, 13 years ago, 2 years ago and the answer now are the same.

God is with us.....regardless of the outcome.

This mirror which I see daily as I get our of bed was delivered by Art Bouck who was in Switzerland per a Hans Schaefer request from Michele Phoenix at the Black Forest Academy in Germany, has attested to that truth for over 13 years.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.(Isaiah 41:10)

 Ask self, "Where am I headed?

4 WORDS WITH BIG HOPE!!!!

I AM WITH YOU!

Pastor Jim's sermon in Haggai opened my eyes to the many times those words of the Lord were found in Scripture.

Four words of comfort. Words of hope. Words of encouragement.

 

Later scanning the "Sunday" paper, I had another "God with me" heads up. 

There was a fifth word giving "future" reference verb "will be." 

Often "I am with you" tell us where and when. Another adverb often used is the reassuring "always."

I AM WITH YOU! Four words to lessen fear, give needed strength, replace dismay with assurance and put a smile on my face....especially as I pray these words will comfort my Ukrainian friends! 

** I so appreciate the inclusion of scripture continuing in our Commercial Appeal. 

RACE TO EMBRACE

These days we all seem to be racing somewhere. 

Racing to and fro and getting nowhere.........Too often describes my race (unless exhaustion is a place).

Obviously my goal/destination needs to change. Does yours? 

We all need to race to Him. 

• Early in the morning as we first open our eyes. 
• In the middle of the day as we face struggles and disappointments. 
• As we close our eyes to sleep. 
• Even as we take our last breath.

He's waiting there , wherever we are----ready to embrace us. 

Race to the "new" realities he has for believers. A better reality.

"Withness." With Him. Regardless----as we run the race set before us by Him! 

A race marked out uniquely for each of us by the One who is always there to embrace us. (Hebrews 12:1)

SEASONAL CELEBRATIONS!

There are many reasons to celebrate each season especially in the Mid-South. We have a bit of all the seasons without too many extremes, until lately!

But God....in His Word tells us, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: (Ecclesiastes 3:1) 

Gof is with us in every season---not just those that are weather related. He is with us in every season of our life birth and death, feast and famine, war and peace. His Word helps us remember He is in control and working out every situation for our own good and His purposes. "Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

Just a snapshot of one of my roadsides---it blesses my heart with my favorite color, favorite flower, esp those yellow tulips! As I drive by, I see them as "gifts from above." (James 1:17)

Springtime, that time of seeding and warmth just weeks after an ice storm and hours after tornado sirens blaring in our state helps us be of good cheer.

Lord may we continue to celebrate every season of life knowing that you are with us always. (Joshua 1:9, Isaiah; 41:10)

WITH GOD

With---a four letter preposition "with" a BIG life in scripture. A "function" word. Accompanied by. Possessing as a feature of accompaniment. On the side of. 

Together comes to my mind.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10, emphasis mine)

With-ness is key---if that's even a word. Lately, I have been "with God" early in my day praying from Psalm 143:8. Setting my agenda before Him asking his direction in the way I should go. You see, I want to go with Him. I want Him with me as I face the "tyranny" of the urgent along with fears that haunt me and minutiae that distracts me.

I need to quit "straining at a gnat." (Matthew 23:24) My focus is on the small things, which blind me from seeing the big picture of God's faithfulness. His word reminds me, "it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6, emphasis mine)

I need Emmanuel---"God with us", with me all the time.

FRISSON OF FEAR

Frisson of fear is what happened to me as I waited for the latest biopsy results. 
Fear the antithesis of trust.

I  didn't scream out to others for prayer but I turned inward somewhat, though not exactly in a spiritual way. 

It was like a pall hanging over me---a dark pall of worry. 

Worry the antithesis of contentment & peace. (Philippians 4:6-7)*
Source of fear is NOT from the Lord. (2 Timothy 1:7)**
Discouragement can follow fear and dismay is close behind. (Isaiah 41:10)***

A bedside reminder from a dear friend and MAC mentor.

But God....in His love, mercy and great love reminded me of those truths from His Word. (Ephesians 2:4)

The biopsy was benign......but the diagnosis requires ongoing observation and treatment. Recently I had "bragged" to a friend that I now no longer had to go to doc every 6 months.
Lesson learned. No more bragging assumptions from me---I am not in control! 
"I am not in control" is a praise because I know the One who is sovereign.

Frisson of Fear be gone.

*For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

**So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

***Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with   thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

CHOOSE: A MAP FOR THE JOURNEY

Hubby has always dubbed me, "Ms Rand McNally" as I have such an affinity for maps. In this age, most people are GPS "driven," Not I. I prefer a good ole big fold out paper map or at least an atlas. You see, I like to "see" where I am going. The big picture. It helps me plan ahead for possibilities along the way. i.e. rest areas. Always handy for an OAB lady to know locations of closest bath rooms. Also, I don't want to miss a quaint place along the way that might not show up on the expressway/main highway driven Global Positioning Systems.

Often, I think a spiritual map would be helpful. As topographical maps explore twists and turns and note steep hills, one is able to "plan ahead." The Bible certainly gives direction for the most important destination, eternity---though not quite as clear in the daily of life. I'm sure there is a purpose in that. Too much exact info might lead to worry and dread so God wants us to focus on His presence in each of one's "present" moments. So.....He's given us direction to his heart. The Bible a map of His sovereign will. God's Positioning System.

When we reach those difficult climbs in midst of hard places---when we're struggling through those hard places, God wants us to remember He is there. (Zephaniah 3:7)

By His Spirit and through His people, (Psalm 27:13) God is there to guide us and show us the way. (Proverbs 3:6)

To those fighting their way to the "top" or other side of the bad diagnosis, grief from the death of a loved one or chosen path of a wayward child, know God never leaves or forsakes His loved ones. (Isaiah 41:10)
Find fellowship with other believers on the same side of the struggle. (1 Thessalonians 5:7)
Choose to share your "map" of the same journey with them. (2 Corinthians 1:4)

As my friend, sister in Christ and fellow MAC cancer survivor, Michèle Phoenix, says, "When you get to the "top" remember to call down to those on the way up, not to give up because the view from the top is fabulous. It's worth the climb."

CHOOSE: A WORD FOR WEDNESDAY

Blog readers might recall the entry "My One Word" For 2017 my "focused word morphed from joy to choose.
After all most things in life are a choice.
The gist of this Wednesday word is Choose. Choose to make hope-filled choices.

NOTES: Choices based onCarol Kent's presentation at our Girls' Getaway presentation last weekend.

• CHOOSE LIFE. Instead of an emotional death, help others choose life as well---but don't minimize pain. (John 10:10)
• CHOOSE TRUST. Too often we live in fear, not freedom. Freedom comes from knowing how great is our God.  (Isaiah 41:10, Matthew 14:22-36)
• CHOOSE VULNERABILITY. All our longings are open before the Lord; even our sighs are not hidden from Him. (Psalm 38:9) 
• CHOOSE GRATITUDE. In everything give thanks. (1 Chronicles 16:34, 1 Thessalonians 5:18) 
• CHOOSE FORGIVENESS.  Forgive quickly and completely as the Master has forgiven you.(Colossians 3: 13-14, MSG)
• CHOOSE PURPOSEFUL ACTION. Do something new. (Isaiah 43:19) Be open handed in your doing for others. (Deuteronomy 15:11)

A List of 6 hope-filled choices with God's promise of being with you, strengthening and helping you and upholding you with hHis righteous right hand.
Be intentional in your choosing of one uniquely for you this Wednesday.