IDS

Ailments! Ailments!! Ailments!!!

Has there been any kind of doctor/specialist I have not seen in the last year. Well 2 come to mind.....and one of those is already on my "to-call" list due to recent "events."

However, my main malady requires the Great Physician.

Self-diagnosis has me discovering a very personal symptom of IDS.

No, not irritable bowel syndrome though that could easily be in my my future, because "at my age" all maladies are possible.

IDS seems to be my ever-present affliction. 

Irritable Dotsy Syndrome!

Yep---and the RX is written by the HS in the Bible!

In everything give thanks! Aka all circumstances. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

DOSAGE: daily, 24/7

May thankfulness overflow as I sing and make music from my heart to the Lord, always overflowing with thankfulness (Colossians 2:7, Ephesians 5:19-20)

MUCH OBLIGED

Old fashioned? Maybe.
Small Town only?  Maybe.

Southern? Probably.
Polite? Definitely!

A Daddy phrase often heard by his daughter





I will be "much obliged" if you
are patient, waiting on my next entry.

CHOOSE: TO BE MUCH OBLIGED

Much obliged---was an old-fashioned expression Daddy often used. It was his way of saying "thank you." "Thank you very much!" Actually "much obliged" seemed to be the vernacular of small town rural folks in western Kentucky. My grandmother, Gena Adams, used it too, but she then would view the obliged part, as something she had to do. 

Though obliged does indicate an obligation I'm not sure Daddy saw the obligation as something he had to do, just something he wanted to do. "Desired to do"would have been more a part of his mettle,  as he was always so appreciative of the kindness and generosity of others. Though in fact, most people didn't expect a pay back or a return for the favor. It was just the Hoptown way.

Our friends, the Walkers, heard that our  grandson Owen was in his school's chess club. They gave us an exquisite chess set to  pass on to Owen as a way to encourage his pursuit of that hobby. 

I was definitely "much obliged" and I want Owen to be grateful as well. He never sees them to say thank you so I want to encourage him to write a thank you note. Courtesy is a character trait, I want to instill in him. It's important to learn at an early age to "sip" from a cuppa great-TEA-tude especially when one has been served a large cuppa generous-TEA. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Not because "one has to" but because "one wants to."

Whether one chooses to say, "much obliged," thank you very much or just thanks, gratitude is always the right choice!

A BIG cuppa Gra-TEA-tude

 In everything give thanks, (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NASB)

A great verse reminder to give thanks throughout the year---not just on Thanksgiving Day!

Dickens says we Americans have it backwards---we should spend 364 days a year being thankful and set aside one day only for griping and complaining.

Amen! to Mr. Dickens and Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Pover-TEA & Plen-TEA

“Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God (Proverbs 30:7-9, NIV)

Pondering and seeking the Lord's choice for my morning cuppa, notations in my journal had me rereading Proverbs 30:7-9 several times. The notes* reminded me of a needed perspective of thankfulness. Maybe Thanksgiving being just days away prompted this meditation as well.

Plenty---a BIG cuppa plen-TEA is what most Americans want! 

"Economy sways are voting, not character.  "Plenty" tempts us to think we can get along without God.  (H. Clark, 2005) 

Without thankfulness, one can become selfish and cynical, regardless of how much $$$ one has.

Poverty---a cuppa pover-TEA that can become bitter as one becomes sulky and sorrowful. 

Viewing life as if God has forgotten us can fuel feelings of jealousy and resentment. 

• A change of perspective is often what is needed most. 
• Without the pang of hunger, food is not a gift. 
• Fatigue helps us appreciate rest, 
• Darkness helps us seek light, 
• Illness increases one's awareness of the gift of health.

Thankfulness vaccinates us against ungratefulness. (H. Clark, 2005)

Pover-TEA and plen-TEA---two cuppas that can be a BIG cuppa enmi-TEA. In excess, either can become an enemy o of a thankful heart. Sip in moderation. Allow the cross to cover any enmity.

*(Howard Clark,  "POVERTY & PLENTY ENEMIES OF THANKSGIVING" sermon notes, 11/20/2005)

A Grande Cuppa Gra-TEA-tude

And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. 
(1 Chronicles 29:13, ESV)

Big things.  Favorable carotid artery report. Good hospital care for relatives. Answered prayers. Seeing a 7 yr old "king" at Kids' Karnival. Lesson input from a daughter-in-law.

Little things. A "positive" phone message. A relevant bookmark. Rye bread for a pimento cheese sandwich. Finding one more Tesco decaf teabag. A quote in a note.

Hard things. Suffering that draws others close. Privilege of praying God's word for others with difficult and challenging prayer needs.

"Giving thanks always and for everything..." as it says in Ephesians 5:20.
Malcolm Muggeridge, who came to know the Lord later in life, says it well, “Every happening, great and small, is a parable whereby God speaks to us, and the art of life is to get the message.”

Perfect quote in a note to enjoy with a cuppa gra-TEA-tude, brewed with Tesco decaf, compliments of son, Josh.

gra-TEA-tude

For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer (I Timothy 4:4-5, NASB)

During a season of discontent, many offers for relief are offered. Even this week, news articles have been written in the morning paper on remedies, for this pattern of sadness and heaviness, that seems to occur this particular time of year.

Some things that come our way in life, regardless of the time of year, can seem anything but good. Yet, scripture reminds us, "in everything gives thanks." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) 

That "prescription" from God's word is more that just a platitude. It's a directive. So, how does one give thanks when he/she doesn't feel thankful. 

Year's ago I read that changing one's focus was a beginning for the cultivation of a thankful heart.  Look for the positive. My "tangible" response to that suggestion was a listing of things I was thankful for---a Blessing Book. A small start with a big result.

Needing a repast of thankfulness, I reread from that book as I spent time with the Lord and sipped my cuppa of gra-TEA-tude. A cuppa that I hope will overflow with a big result.

Waiting on God

11/30/13  

How does one die gracefully? If I’ve learned anything these last 2 1/2 weeks, I've learned that one who lives a grace-filled life, is able to approach death in the same manner.

Sweet friend, Claudia, had been “terminal” for over two years while defying all the medical odds and passing two life-expectancy time-lines. But, since November 13, many of us watched her live a graceful life within her most recent given time-line----two weeks to two months. 

A life full of grace. A life full of blessings to others. A life full of encouragement. A prayerful life. A thankful life.

Her heart and her mind full of grace and gratitude---living spiritually to the fullest while waiting for God.

Her wait may be over.....but not the impact of her life. 

11/20/13 Photo courtesy of Ellen of Jones Clinic

ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

11/12/13 Though fall was recognized officially on our calendars seven weeks ago, recent temps felt like summer was still holding its breath, not completely giving over to those cooler temps of autumn. But...oh my goodness, this morning it felt as if both summer and fall joined in a collective inhalation of any warmth that was left in our atmosphere. A resulting exhalation of cold, gusty breath took our portion of the mid-South right into winter temps.

United States Army, est. 1775. Daddy served under that flag in WWII.

I noticed because I was trying to take a picture outside* on this gusty day. A day that moved from  a"freeze watch" to "hard freeze warning" in a matter of hours. Uncomfortable? Somewhat.
Earlier on my errand runs,  I noticed I was sliding into the "complaint" mode, along with many folks around me. I even like the fact that I live in an area that actually has seasonal changes, so what would be my complaint? Is complaint contagious?

But God....reminded me of I Thessalonians 5:18, "in everything give thanks..." How dare me (or anyone) to take umbrage at a drop in temps, seeing it as unjust if it inconveniences us and our comfort. Imagine how such carping would be viewed in the Philippines. 

A thankful heart. A grateful spirit. A change of attitude.

Would gratitude be equally contagious? Why can't it start with me?

A Feast of Encouragement

7/23/12  Just as I’m considering Psalm 34: 8 for meditation this week, Judy D., the Texans “Ya Ya” shared Sarah Young’s “40 Days  with Jesus, Celebrating His Presence", with me. Her marker for day 23 gave Jeremiah 29:11 as a promise that offered a “feast of encouragement.” It spoke of Christ’s eternal encouragement for believers........

........Which brought me right back to the verse I had been considering. We, who have a voracious appetite for fixing our future, trust our own plans----hedging our bets economically and in aging----all to pad our future security. We too often take refuge in ourselves---trusting in our own abilities.

But as Psalm 34:8 reminded me, my security (and feasting) is in Him, the One in whom I seek refuge moment by moment. Young continually teaches the importance of being in His Presence----in the present moment. She sees that “tasting” as a feast of the richest fare and encourages all to come to His table of delights, bringing  a fork of trust and a spoon of thankfulness. (Young, p.24) To me that sounds like “tasting and seeing that the Lord is good.” 

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. 

What encouragement---to be blessed for taking refuge in Him.

Mammography Misery

7/7/11 Sitting in the waiting area of the Methodist Healthcare Breast Center, I was struggling with both fear and dread. "I know~ I know!" "In everything give thanks"(I Thessalonians 5:18) and that would include mammograms. I am grateful for this early detection, possibly life saving procedure. What I'm struggling with is past memories of the pain brought on by that tall, COLD, stainless pancake machine with the acrylic "flattener."

But God....had the receptionist hand me a "pile" of forms to fill out with the important stuff highlighted in pink. Forms to keep me "in the pink." Pink highlights to remind me that I use pink when I want to display text in my reading that has prayer references. I even had my pink highlighter with me, clipped to my "A Praying Life" book---already full of "pink." A gentle tap to remind me to pray.

I entered waiting area #3 (diagnostic side) in a spa-type robe, chosen over the dreaded hospital gown---thankful for a choice. The exam, though not exactly painless only required one "repeat" and was relatively quick for 8 views. I was then relegated to waiting area #4 until results were read and I could leave---depending on said results.

So....then I began to worry because it was done so quickly. Had the tech been thorough? (I forgot my thankful prayer for "speed" in this procedure.)
God covered that and had tech call me back for 2 ultrasounds. Dotsy wants thorough, Dotsy gets thorough! (and wet and time consuming and uncomfortable) Doctor reading results said "the girls" looked okay and she'd see me in a year.

A Germantown fire truck followed by an ambulance arrived as I was heading out the door. There are miseries worse than mammograms and I began to pray for the person that was getting ready to take that ride.

"In-between times"

11/28/10 That phrase sort of reminds me of the dash on a tombstone---the time between birth and death. During this time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I want to make the most of the time given without wiping out my good intentions with self-induced stress. Certainly my plate is full---I actually just leave my suitcase open in the hallway for easy repacking between trips. Yet, as Jesus Calling entries have reminded me everyday for a week, the key to making the most of “in-between” times is:

• Thank me. (11/21).
  
• Thankful attitude. (11/22)
  
• Thankful stance. (11/23)
  
• Thankfulness removes the sting of adversity. (11/24)
  
• Thank me in every situation. (11/25)
  
• Walk….the high road of thanksgiving. (11/26)
• Let thankfulness rule in your heart. (11/27)
  
• …life steeped in thankfulness. (11/28)

I was affirmed in my “in-between” musings as I just opened and read my son’s newsletter to Allen Bible Church & friends. Pithy with a punch---he says it much better than I could. (Bold print = my emphasis.)

A friend of mine once said, "There are three words every human being should learn to say: “Hello,” “Goodbye,” and in between, “Thank You." Recently, as a church family, we have said goodbye with tears of grief to loved ones and hello with tears of joy to new little ones. And the Lord is teaching us the brevity of life and the blessings of family and each other. In this season and our study of Philippians, He's reminding us that our citizenship is in heaven and we're "in between," and that each day "in between" is the time to learn to say, "Thank You."
I pray that you will truly take in this Thanksgiving as a gift from Him to be with your family, even the ones who bring to mind words other than "thank You." Scripture seems to indicate that life "in between" is best lived and at its richest when we give thanks because He is good. He is good. Whether your meal is a sandwich or a smorgasboard, I pray you and I marvel and thank Him for His goodness in giving us families, "best buds" but even taste buds, so we can savor the textures and flavors of this season and "taste and see that the Lord is good!" (Buddy Liles)

Thankfulness is the language of love for these "in between times."

Consider this....

11/17/10 Consider how difficult it is to post a blog entry when said entry is on a flash drive that is not available----temporarily misplaced, maybe?? Imagine that!
11/18/10 FOUND! Consider how thankful I am to have my flash drive.

(Original entry) Jennifer, my H2H friend, sent me day 2 of CRM’s (Church Resource Ministry) “A Wonderful Week of Devotions focused on Thanksgiving.”

Day 2 
Allow your heart to assume a posture of gratitude.

That sentence started me considering all that I had to be thankful for in the middle of an otherwise muddled week. So many things were pulling at me---robbing me of my joy and yet I was being “nudged” to consider thinking on other things. How about you? Do you need to reconsider your thought life? As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he: (Proverbs 23:7) Maybe changing our thinking will change our heart and a posture of gratitude will follow.

Who is wise? Let him give heed to these things,
And consider the lovingkindnesses of the LORD. (Psalm 107:43) Certainly God’s goodness and kindness is something to be thankful for.

As your heart fills with gratitude and those feelings of thanksgiving begin to grow, consider telling others. (overflow) Otherwise it will be similar to wrapping a gift and keeping it all to yourself.

Today, let’s give thanks together. (Verbally) Consider the impact that would have on those whom the Lord has cross our path.

Thankful Thursday

1/29/09

---one year I had to do all 365 days focusing on thankfulness---it became my gratitude journal---I never missed a day but some days I had to scratch/choose to see events as thanksgiving---it became lots easier, the more I practiced---that was a life lesson for me. "In every thing, give thanks."

Yesterday's entry seemed to be full of run-on sentences of mental meanderings. My stream of consciousness tangle/jumble was hard to untangle even for my hubby and he's lived with this confused brain for almost 40 years.

Even during early hour prayers this morning, I found my thoughts would wander. But…..the answer was in Jesus Calling----Keep your focus on Me. When your mind wanders, "Bring every thought captive," (2 Corin. 10:5) In My light anxious thoughts shrink…….. confused ideas are untangled.

I began with focusing on the Lord through song---thinking, " I just need a hymnal." Well, searching on the bottom shelf of the lawyers cabinet that had been my grandmother's, I found a Cokesbury Hymnal, copyright 1923. It cost 30¢. So, the Lord and I had a songfest and my heart began to overflow with gratitude.

When I sang, It is Well With my Soul with tears starting to flow, I knew that even in this challenge, my soul is well, He Keeps Me Singing as I Go---was the hymn reminder that kept me singing/thanking Him all day:

1. …while waiting for the doc phone call that never came.

2. …while celebrating with friends at Houston High*

3. …while talking to myriads of people who care

4. …while hugging a dear friend. IC, whom I had to track down

5. …while calmly responding to my father-in-law's fears about his surgery tomorrow---though my heart ached for him

*UTrust came to school to film the school nurse and the HHS Café ladies, based on a story I had written about them. I was the author, but they were the inspiration---it was their story, I just told it so others would know how each of them make a difference in the lives of so many of us---and they do it because they care. The nurse has already showered me with flowers and hugs and I left the cafeteria today laden with my favorite soup and BUTTER COOKIES!!!! That shoud be #6---b/c I'm thankful for such a big stash.

Things change with a call and before I could even post these earlier comments, I had another BIG reason to say Thank you, Lord! I had an entire chapel to myself, to kneel before the Lord I love and beg for extra measures of mercy and grace for a family I love as my own.