GOD IS GOOD!

How does one know our God, the LORD, is Good?

Think: Taste and See! 

Taste every morsel of His word.

Fret not. (Dots) (Hebrew charah - burning or out of sorts over something you cannot change - 

Psalm 37:1, 7-8) 

Magnify the LORD. (Psalm 34:3)

Delight yourself in the LORD, (Psalm 37:4, 23)

God is Good!

There is but one good; That is God. (C.S. Lewis, The Great Divorce)

GOSPELICIOUS---ANOTHER TASTE

Gospelicious 

Taste and See the Lord is good!

How does one heightened their taste buds for the gospel message?

Opening her/his Bible might be first step! One word. One verse. One chapter. Whet your appetite for truth. 

For example, entering a candy shop for the first time, one might be overwhelmed at all the choices and appreciate the opportunity to have a taste before deciding what to choose.

For me, I started today in Psalm 34:1. I was "all in" with the very first verse.

It's important to bless the LORD at all times. The whole number of nouns.  Circumstances. (New job or laid off)  Events. (Births to funerals) Healthy or sick. Weary or energized. 

At least each truth has merit for understanding the Christian life.

(v. 4) The LORD delivers from all my fear.

A meager beginning---think small taste---but I already see that God is good! (v.8) 

A delicious taste of truth! Gospelicious!

TRUST = MY ONE WORD 2026!

My One Word  has been a yearly focus for me since friend Angie G. gave Lisa D., Margie H., and me the book in 2017!

The same word---a daily focus as well as a yearly one! 

Verses may vary but the word won't!

A daily THRUST!

That's it...........

A Thrust of TRUST!

It (love).......always trusts,....(1 Corinthians 13:7)

FAITHFUL FRIENDS!

When life has been bumpy and one needs to trust His leading, trust can provide the answer! Sunday was such a time for me! A deliverance from fear of all the "what ifs" in life. A boost of new life provided by Him, through them.....Larry and Marge! We headed down Highland Rd. past Lick-Skillet thru curvy, steep mountain roads bringing tasty treats to share....but received much more! 

From the familiar tingle of patio wind chimes of the patio to the gamiliar gospel music as we walked thru the front door.

It felt like going home! Home to family, though not through physical blood, but true relationship through the blood of Christ for many years. It was Psalm 34 in action. God reunited hubby and me with a godly couple whom He has given long life. (very soon to be 97 for him & 95 for her) (Psalm 34:11-12, Proverbs 3:1-3 )

God's goodness to them has been obvious and they have passed it on. Praise to the LORD has continued as their souls boast in Him. (Psalm 34:1)

They have magnified the LORD and exalted His name together for as long as we have known them. (Psalm 34:3)

Through the years, they have given godly wisdom that has blessed us beyond measure.

Their door is always open whether in the mountains or in Florida.

Even as we left with hugs and teary-eyes they gave us their typical bell ringing send-off reminding us to return. Unable to upload that video yet.

A full long life of wisdom shared that afternoon, reminded me to turn to the Lord as my refuge and enjoy a worry-free life! I smiled all the way back down that curvy mountainous road to reality with renewed faith!

SATURDAY SURPRISE!

Picnic in close-by Great Smoky Mountains National Park away from the weekend throngs.

A table all to ourselves with a tasty lunch I did not have to prepare!

Sharing Scripture --from a fave......Psalm 34. Glorifying the Lord and exalting His name together as chum WH had inspired us to do earlier this morn. Our focus was on verse 4 as I am seeking to "live" without fear with hubby's ongoing support.

We stopped by a floral wonderland in our "kin" BB & Poppy's yard! I took over 9 pix for my Seek collection! 

Her cosmos grabbed my heart! 

The BIG surprise was when hubby produced some Lowes' reward money and took me there to stock up on their "on-sale" flowers --total = $4.28! WOW! Some to share with neighbors who have continued to bless us and "keep me in the pink" day after day!

Surprise! Surprise!! We "ran-in" to (crossed paths with, not an accident) our daughter and son-in-law while gassing up to head home!

I thank we had moment after moment of tasting and seeing that God is good! (Psalm 34:8)

Maybe a better title for this entry would be a plural!

Saturday Surprises!!

WISDOM WALKS! WOW!

As one ages, walking is good medicine, whether one feels like it or not!

Walking can be a path to life with Him. Leaving one's mental checklist behind and focusing on His Presence! 

Last week as Hubby and I walked in much stillness we saw the path anew. Blue skies emphasized the first of the mountain laurel blooms hanging over the creek!

The path itself  was filled with bunches of butterflies.

Blue-spotted purples, a hubby ID.  Tiger Swallowtails. One Monarch that would never land. Even they, seeking moisture and sweet nectar, seemed to dance as if they too could "taste and see" that God's provision is good!

TASTY JOY!

Tasty Joy! 

That's what Day 3 in 12 'days til Christmas brought me via "my" Molly! 

Yes....I know it's Day 6 but I'm way behind & still trying to catch up.

Regardless, it was great way to begin my day......Bible open on my lap and Ghirardelli in my unbandaged left hand.......a "CHOCOLATE DAY" ---so I can eat it!

YUMMY JOY! 

TASTE & SEE!

"Taste and See" that the Lord is good. (Psalm 34:8a) 

Yesterday, we we saw the goodness of the Lord in the Land of the Living. (Psalm 27:13)

Fellowship around a table, in the hallway & side by side standing and sitting.

How blessed we were to taste the goodness of the Lord as we trusted in the Him. (Psalm 34:8b) through this blessed friendship of believers.

We were treated to more than we could have asked for or imagined---including Rad's message from the book of Daniel.

When Calvin O. ended our fellowship time together with a benediction, singing "God Be With You Till We Meet Again" my heart was full of both joy and sadness, causing the tears to flow.

A BIG thank you to loving friends in Christ who made all this happen,

Thanks to Nancy Binkley for the pix.

SATURDAY SAMPLER!

Smoky taste. Sweet taste. Literary taste. Artsy taste. Spiritual taste. 

SMOKY 

SWEET

LITERARY 

ARTSY

Spiritual

Oh taste and see that the Lord is good! (Psalm 34:8)

SIMPLY SAVOR!

Savoring! I'm not talking chocolate truffles here!

Tho, I have trouble enjoying just one without being overwhelmed by guilt.

I so easily wear guilt these days. It's like I can never do enough for the Lord and others. 

But God in His love and mercy continues to remind me that I need to let go of anxiety, guilt and busyness and lean in to Him. (Jesus Listens, August 29)

Fret not, Dots.(Psalm 37)

Relax. Enjoy the moment in His Presence! Have a truffle.

Savor the Savior!

TASTE OF WINTER!

Taste and See.

Taste and see that God is good..." in springtime and harvest, COLD and heat, summer and winter...."(Genesis 8:28) 

age 3

age 4

For everything there is a season. Some are able to enjoy the fun of winter more than others.

From New Yorkers in Massachusetts & Texans in Colorado to North Carolina--- fun on the faces of "kids, ages 40 & 50ish to 3, make me smile! 

I needed that today---a taste of family fun!

GOSPELICIOUS!

"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him." (Psalm 34:8)

But.....it's important to go beyond that. Let others see the truth of God in you in your actions of taking refuge in Him. 

The gospel being lived out is gospelicious! (my marginalia, Cole '20 ?)

It allows others to see the gospel message in action.

A gospelicious life style draws others to "taste and see".

"GOSPEL-ICIOUS" --WORD PLAY AT ITS BEST

3 yr. old grandson Jack has a language of his own. We call it "Jackanese." When he's out-grown it, we'll probably still remember it. A current word---Chok-it 'uhlicious! No verb needed!

For me, God's word is 'uhlicious!

"Thy Words were found and I ate them and they became for me the joy and delight of my heart! "(Jeremiah 15:16)

"Taste and see that the Lord is good." (Psalm 34:8)

His words are sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.....(Proverbs 16:24) when we consume them. 

In one word delicious!

What part of speech is delicious?

noun

adjective

adverb

All of the aove.

A descriptive adjective. Deliciously as an adverb. Deliciousness---a noun that says it all.

What about gospelicious?

 For God so love the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16 gives meaning to that one word!

GOSPELICIOUS! (Cole Huffman, according to my marginalia)

SWEET WORDS ON MEDITATION MONDAY

What a way to begin Valentine's Day!

Sweet words from scripture served up alongside a "cuppa" with a tad of honey and a splash of milk, yummy heart-shaped cookies (thx Wynellen) and an open Bible.

The Bible has a lot to say about "Sweet" words. Today let's start as we "Taste and See" that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8) as His words encourage us.

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and heart to the body. (Proverbs 16:24, ESV) NIV describes those gracious words as sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. 

Other versions use different adjectives: Good words, (Brenton Septuagint); Kind words, (NLT);  Pleasant words, (Berean); speech of the wise, Aramaic; Well ordered words Douay-Rheims. Pleasant/Pleasantness used in 19 versions & kind used in 3.   

Regardless of the translation it's easy to get the idea. 

Today my focus is own "kind" words---spoken from the heart. Heart-shaped.

Like honey--sweet to the taste and good for your health. (Good News Translation)

May the Lord use my words to others as sweet to the spirit & body. 

Words of love on Valentine's Day and every day.

SOUL FOOD ---FOR 2

There is soul food and then there is soul food. Some is even served with a kiss on the head. 

Going to check out a new place as it is Memphis Black Restaurant Week. I just hope they have butter rolls as good as Peggy's and Madea's.

Regardless of the restaurant, if I go with friend, Nora, the conversations enhance the meal. We have a background to share. We have fellowship because of our Savior and we can "taste and see" the goodness of the Lord while we nosh on neckbones, pigs feet, turkey necks or smothered pork chops and turnip greens. Soul food for two---though I admit just tasting, right off Nora's plate, some of the less familiar ones.

FEED YOUR SOUL

Where does one find a diet consistent for "soul" feeding?

After a discouraging start to my morning, I found my daily bread in Psalm 107. Though I've been considering the truths in this psalm for several weeks now, today I "tasted" a new version, NKJ.

4/ They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way;

They found no city to dwell in.
5 5/ Hungry and thirsty, Their soul fainted in them.
6 

6/ Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
And He delivered them out of their distresses.
7 7/ And He led them forth by the right way,
That they might go to a city for a dwelling place.
8 8/ Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
9 9/For He satisfies the longing soul,
And fills the hungry soul with goodness. (emphasis, mine)

Think of it as trying a different food brand. Cereal or tea come to mind.The nutrients are still there but sometimes the variety gives us a new flavor to nibble on though the ingredients are the same.

Reading of the wanderer in Psalm 107:4-9, it became so evident that my "mood" this morning was as one in a dry place looking for a dwelling place. Hungry and thirsty for peace in my soul.

But God, in His word, showed me the He is my dwelling place and He will satisfy me, and others for whom I am praying today, with His redeeming love.

Today, "taste and see" (Psalm 34:8) with me the goodness of the Lord.

Real soul food for a hungry heart.

CHOOSE JOY IN MEDITATING

It's "meditating" Monday and there's joy because of a cleared agenda.

No agenda gives space without hurry.

A time not just to" taste and see"  the goodness of the Lord but to savor it. (Psalm 34:8)

A time to interweave prayers from the heart with the scripture that prompted them.

It's not an "either-or" but a both-and" of meditation and prayer. 

When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, (Ephesians 3:4, Paul to the church in Ephesus) 

R + P = M 

Reading and Praying = Meditation.

When you read scripture as you pray it brings revelation and that brings great joy. 

CHOOSE GRATITUDE!

On December 30, I received this shocking email---

Hello Dotsy,

            Aggie went to be with Jesus last Thursday (12/29/16) after a brief but very difficult struggle with an until now undetected blood disorder. I know you were a real encouragement to her, so I need to pass this information on to you.

            A celebration of her life will be held Saturday January 7th.

Sincerely, Greg Tharp

Some times are easier than other times in which to choose gratitude. 
Today is the memorial service for, Agnes "Aggie" Tharp, one lady very dear to my heart, though I have never met her face to face. Yet I am so-o-o grateful to have "known" Aggie, albeit via cyberspace. 
So I choose gratitude for the Lord's allowing our paths to cross.
I sent him an email I had received from Aggie 5 years ago hoping it might offer him comfort:
The night I learned that (friend) had gone on to eternity, I couldn't go to sleep.  I began thinking of the people we knew in common up in heaven, and then Ken meeting Bible characters, and THEN meeting JESUS!!!  I got such a spirit of celebration and joy that I couldn't be sad about Ken's death.  And in a way that experience changed my attitude toward death.  For the child of God it is not sad!  True, for those left behind, the separation hurts.  What a joy to know that it is temporary! Love & prayers, Aggie

Gratitude tinged with sadness---for me and all who knew and loved her, I'm sure!

Aggie has been a "Dotsy Details" blog reader since November 2009 as far as my "Comments" show.

S. D. Gordon wrote: The greatest thing anyone can do for God and man is pray. It is not the only thing, but it is the chief thing. The great people of earth are the people who pray. I do not mean those who talk about prayer; nor those who say they believe in prayer; nor yet those who can explain about prayer; but I mean those people who take time to pray. Thank you, Dotsy, for reminding us of the privilege and importance of prayer! Love and prayers, from Agnes in France

Encouraging me from the very start as Agnes, sometime in 2012 Agnes became "Aggie."

Regardless of her signature, blog comments and email messages were always ENCOURAGING! I knew they were sent with love and prayers. Aggie was one of "my" best  prayer warriors, without me even requesting prayers from her. She didn't just say she prayed, she sent the very scriptures to back it up. What a privilege to be on the receiving end of her prayers---which she prayed "all over me."

As I took time in the Word this morning, Psalm 92 (one of today's Scripture readings in the liturgical calendar) is obviously for you, and I am praying it all over you now, and for the upcoming trip. YES, TRUST is the word.  Psalm 37:5, Commit - trust - and God will do the rest.  

Aggie and I both shared an affinity for the Psalms and often "camped out there so I particularly loved this email from her. 

God spoke Psalm 34:8 to my heart, "The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear Him..."  Wow, I thought, he doesn't just fly or flutter over, he CAMPS.

1/12/10 Interesting how the Father seems to be saying the same things to his children, even though separated geographically by great distances..... GOD REIGNS! Not, He said that He would, nor, some day He will, but here, now; in this present situation, in whatever storm I may be going through, GOD REIGNS! When Jesus was sleeping in the boat, He was in perfect control, even though the disciples were beside themselves with fear! Peace, be still. We can be still, and know that God is God and that He reigns!

Often she would end a message with, "Are you okay, Dotsy?"

How intuitive she was! What a faithful prayer warrior! 

I saw Aggie's life well-lived through her words. 

"Don't answer questions that people aren't asking you, but live in such a way that people will ask you questions (about your faith in, walk with, God)." (though I can't remember who said it---Aggie) Through our correspondence, I imagine many saw Jesus in her life and were asking her about her faith!

Yesterday I ended my email reply to her husband Greg assuring him that I was using Aggie's pictures in my visual prayer journal....

" to continue to pray for Stephanie and Etienne and their children, each Saturday---it is my "bouquet of thanks" to place at her service."

Prayerfully, (& gratefully) Dotsy