"LEAVINGS"

The Oxford Language Dictionary (OLD) defines leavings as, "things that have been left as worthless." This morning, in God's creation economy, I experienced leftover, residue, remains of leaves as anything but worthless.

Think extension of His glory of creation. 

I am grateful the photo "caught" my feet in the glory of autumn leaves in the mountains! So much more than leftovers!

A reminder,  The steps of a good man/woman are ordered by the LORD: And He delighteth in them! (Psalm 37:23)

The heart of man plans his ways but the LORD directs his steps! (Proverbs 16:9)

Grateful for morning prayers when I asked the Lord to direct my steps as well as others before we even left our abodes today! 

No worthless "leavings," but steps ordered by Him to bring glory to Him as well as His creation!

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?

"Directionali-TEA"

The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when He delights in his way; (Psalm 37:23, ESV)

Have you ever struggled with finding direction for your life? Which way to go? Where to turn for help? Even when one knows the "direction to heaven," (John 3:16) she can still need direction for the daily grind. God's Word certainly offers needed direction.

So.....why is it so hard to "let go and let God?" Excessive over-planning can wear one out. So....why continue in that "insanity?"

I've decided to stop asking those questions in my mind and start reading:

Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

Isaiah 30:21, And your ears will hear a word behind you, "This is the way, walk in it," whenever you turn to the right or to the left.

The Lord delights in the one who chooses to follow Him, as Psalm 37:23 reminds us. I like the comfort offered by that verse but I also hang my "faith hat" on the verse that follows, especially when I make poor choices or go off on my own path.

When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand. (Psalm 37:24, NASB)

Regardless.....when one's life rests in the hands of the Lord, all directions lead to Him!

Directionali-TEA---to be sipped in that blessed assurance.

"finali-TEA" of current "directionali-TEA"

The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9, NASB)

Mrs. Rand McNally, here.....is ready to hang up her maps. No longer can I be the "directionally" sound one in mapping out our routes. This past weekend in Austin, TX proved that. I was even somewhat directionally dis-oriented in our hotel, no less. 

Recently I taught on "being confident" (Psalm 27:3) & blogged on "relying on God," (Isaiah 40: 10) but I've begun to realize that a new season of life is now beginning. A "direction" change, coupled with understanding of  God's wisdom in this season needs to be employed.
Things aren't quite what they once were. I can still make plans and God will still direct them (Psalm 37:23)....but the plans might be fewer. I can also allow younger ones to lead the way. Following son's BIG Suburban on those confusing multi-level cloverleafs, access roads and exits allowed me to enjoy the ride and not be stressed. Possibilites of getting lost, seem not so overwhelming when I don't feel responsible.

Change, especially from aging, is sometimes hard to swallow, but God...can offer new directionality and it will be okay!
Final proof of finali-TEA of current directionali-TEA---I just spilled my morning cuppa all over my map.

MOUNTAIN MORNING MEDITATION

8/8/11 Location highly recommended for meditative moments: deck of a mountain hideaway, overlooking trees and streams with humming birds buzzing nearby along with a cuppa Red Rose tea, served with a cool morning breeze.

I rise before the dawn of the morning and cry for help. I hope in your word. (Psalm 119:147)

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and He delights in his way. (Psalm 37:23)

CARTOGRAPHERS OF THE OLD FASHION VARIETY

7/12/10………okay, I’m not a map maker but I am a map lover. Hubby Larry thinks my affinity for maps is a little over the top. I love maps and atlases. They offer so many possibilities. Even at our Christmas “bag game” parties, if there’s an updated atlas in the mix, I’m right in there, (usually with the men) jockeying for that ultimate prize.

During past travels in the English countryside, the first place I would go would be the TI. (Tourist Information Center) A wealth of brochures with area maps---right up my alley. US roadside Welcome Centers are a must for me when traveling stateside. Texas has BIG ones. Mississippi has hospitable ones----they serve coke with a smile and a syrupy Southern accent. This summer the Tennessee facility had, along with clean restrooms, a 2010 map!! Yea---first “new” map in two years that I’ve found. Plus, TN must realize that “Baby Boomers” are the only folks using maps anymore because the 2010 publication is like a "large print" edition.

This past weekend, Michèle found us using her recent eBay purchase of a Garmin. It just stuck on her windshield. She said it talked her through the trip down from Canada. Larry told her he had his own GPS and he stuck “her” in the front seat (shotgun position) right beside him---usually with an open atlas, road map or MapQuest sheet in her lap. His GPS also “talked” the entire trip. (Not true----said GPS also naps, once on a familiar course.)

Hubby also asked Michèle if her Garmin called her stupid if she got off-course. Stupid is the “S” word at our house & not allowed. She said the GPS word for “stupid” was “recalculating.”
Recalculating (or Plan B) is always necessary for this GPS woman---it allows for new paths, byways and, as yet, undiscovered back roads. With a “local’s” suggestion, rather that a detailed topographical map, we found a great scenic road when coming home from Doris and Tom’s Full Circle Ranch in Lewisburg, TN---a road less traveled by others and one never traveled before by us. One just needs to be open to possibilities----

It’s Monday and we have several options/possibilities for meditating on God’s word. Choose the one that fits the road you are on today. Allow Him to be your GPS.

• This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. (Isaiah 48:17)

• The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. (Psalm 37:23)

• The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)

With the Lord there are infinite possibilities.