THANKFUL +

Friendly reminder from folks who grew up @ FMC church in KY + a college chum who farms & who began her text with "thankful Thursday" for "said" Alumni Ave. neighbor's recovery.

All this to say, my pew sitting friend shared today's Upper Room verse.

Be merciful to me O God, be merciful to me, for in you, my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.

Daddy modeled his faith for many years as he began his day, "grateful for every day the good Lord gave him," along with his time reading the daily devotional, "his" Upper Room. 

A quiet, gentle soul + a thankful heart!

LAMPS THAT GIVE LIGHT

4/19/12 If  you want to know the scoop on what to read, where to shop for…., or what’s on sale, etc. go to knitting at Drenda’s on Mondays. Those ladies are a wealth of information. They’re also nice---though they have all finished several 6” dolls for the Church Health Center, they still allow me to participate and I’m just now getting to the shoulder area on my first one.

At this week's gathering I got the “scoop” on an OTT. That’s a "must have" lamp for folks with eyes needing a little help. According to Sharon and Dren its white light helps one focus without a harsh glare and the details of a written page or a pair knitting needles become incredibly clear. So…..I drove immediately to Tuesday Morning because they were also “ON SALE.” Two words that resonate with this retiree.

This lamp does just as “advertised” by my knitting friends. It illumines with clearness more than just brightness. It’s bendable gooseneck directs the light right where I need it!!!

It helps me focus on my Bible and all those books that are right by my prayer chair---so that’s where I put it! Home décor folks beware---it might not blend with my traditional furniture but I don’t care! It meets my need!

It even shone brightly on that day’s (4/16/12) Upper Room entry, “A Lamp and A Light.” The title alone affirmed my decision but the real deal sealer was the verse.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet,
 and a light unto my path.  (Psalm 119:105)

God’s word is truly the lamp that lights the pathway I should follow.

My OTT literally gives perfect light that illumines God’s written word for me. But it’s the Holy Spirit that illumines my heart and gives understanding to those words, which my eyes can now see.

1, 2, 3….............

8/19/10……………look at Me. (Me meaning the Lord) That’s been my customary reaction to spiritual things----sort of like a “rule.” Instead of 3 strikes you’re out, when something intersects with my life 3 times that means, a heads up for ole Dots.

As a result, I’ve been meditating in Psalm 71. This is a psalm of lament that expresses the faith of an older person, who has trusted God for many years but is still feeling attacked whether verbally or physically or both. I, as well as most folks, can understand his need for God as a refuge.

As I first began meditating on this psalm, I was indeed seeking solace---and not because of aging or gray hairs. (v. 18) My strength, both physical and emotional was spent. I was hurt. I needed a rock, refuge, Someone trustworthy on whom to lean.

On Sunday, Cole concluded his sermon suggesting this psalm for consideration---that for me was affirmation #2. I decided to camp out there a little longer. Affirmation #3 came in the Tuesday’s Upper room devotional reading, Psalm 71:17-21. God began to change my focus. He has been with me when I (Isaiah 43:2) “passed through the waters….and was not overwhelmed.” (I only temporarily felt as if I were drowning) This new focus in the same psalm reminds me that there is none like God---God who has seen me through many troubles and calamities will revive me again. Now I must continue to proclaim his wondrous deeds and ask him, “ do not forsake me until I proclaim your might to another generation.” (Psalm 71:18) My grands come to mind.

The Upper room gives a L2L (Link2Life) as way to encourage practical application of the scripture’s teaching. I’m calling mine D2D (Dare to Dance) to encourage myself and others to dare to go forth and dance (celebrate) these life truths with others. I’m going to pick up the phone and call a friend.

1,2,3….and....1,2,3……………….doesn’t it make you want to dance.

Serene Sabbath

1/25/09 Serene Sabbath---planning to "be still" For those who have asked, son Josh's web site will give you instant updates even when I get wherever I'm going---he has a "magic phone"---iPhone, I think" so he can do all this from any distance---All you need to do is enter your e-mail address and your e-mail password and then he approves you and you'll get the messages. www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/610549/

This is the day the Lord has made: let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24) Today's verse in the Upper Room (which I try to read along with Daddy) is one of my favorites, Zephaniah 3:17 (between Habakkuk and Haggai---bet that helped a lot didn't it?? 

As a librarian, I commend the use of a Table of Contents, especially when they have a listing in alphabetical order.) The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. Maybe rejoice is the word of the day---I think I'll just rejoice quietly. Today's My Utmost for His Highest said, Be in a state of expectancy---my marginalia was ----expectancy NOT expectation.