SATURDAY SHORT IN SOUTHERN SPEAK

Hooray for Interpretations I understand from Scotty Smith. Siri creates words I don't "get." I prefer Pastor Smith's familiar words.

Mind-bogglingly loved.

Diddly-Squat matters.

Just what I will need for a Saturday morning after a 9 hour drive to arrive in the the Smoky Mountains.

GRACIOUS ME!

Gracious Me!

Goodness Gracious!! 

Gracious Sakes...or gracious sakes alive!

All phrases I heard while growing up in western Kentucky. 

Such phrases were indicative of surprise. "Where has the day gone."

These days I find myself saying those same phrases I heard, especially from my grandmother, Mama Davenport. Often I add "Oh my" to the list. It's surprise with a bit of negativity laced with disappointment. Think, guilt.

Oh my, I can't keep up with ANYTHING. OK, that's an exaggeration but.....iPhone, Laptop, books, white out, things I use often and need to keep up with around the house.

Oh my, notes, are all over the house except the one I need.

Oh my, these days it takes me longer to do less.

Oh my, guilt hangs in my closet far too easy for me to reach & put on. (I know this because a sweet friend in the faith admonished me, in love of this very act,) 

How grateful I am that God's word says, 

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)

Gracious me.....how grateful I am for that reminder! I'm pouring my cuppa guilt-TEA down the drain.

STRICKLY SOUTHERN... OR NOT!

How does one know they are in the South? Usually it's when a "native" southerner opens his mouth. "Idinit" true!

Chitterlings and neck bones and sweet tea on a menu board could be another clue.

Jevver hear such!

Once one gets passed the joking, there's lots to appreciate about the place where God has placed you---be it north, south, east or west. Whether there's chitterlings or chateaubriand on your plate. 

From one man He made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. (Acts 17:26)

What was God's reasoning for this one might ask.

God did this so they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any one of us. (Acts 17:27)

Regardless of where one lives, as "God's offspring" (Acts:17:29) may he or she remember..."in Him we live and move and have our being." (Acts 17:28a) with a cuppa, cappuccino or a glass of sweet tea! May there always be kindness in your cup as you serve others.