PAUSE IN PROCESS

Last September (2018), I considered "pause" as a being verb in my  s l o w i n g entry. 

I needed to progress in  my pausing process, which sounds oxymoronic, at best.
But.....pausing is a prerequisite for "restoration 101"!

So......in December I found a book, The Art of Rest, to read all about it and now I can't remember any profound truths I gleaned from the book---nor can I find the book. But,.....in January, I went ahead and chose "pause" as my 2019 word anyway.

I'm scribbling synonyms and antonyms on any surface (mainly journal, scratch paper and napkins)and i'm still struggling to hit the "pause" button......because my world never stops!

How grateful I am for my "beckoning Lord, who says "Come" (Matthew 11:28) and  my Shepherd who leads me beside still waters---those solitary places of quiet repose where I can pause and be refreshed as I allow Him to restore my soul. (Psalm 23:1-3)

NATIONAL NAP DAY!

Today is "National Nap Day"!

Who knew? I, and all the other consummate nappers in the nation, knew!

My friends often teased me that teaching kindergarten was my favorite assignment because 5 yr. olds have scheduled naptimes.

Baby Jack is enjoying nap time at the beach being lulled to sleep by the sounds of the ocean.

For all in our family, there is nothing quite like a "Big Water" nap.

If you don't have swooshing ocean waves to soothe you to sleep, meditate on these calming scriptures from God's word.

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. (Psalm 4:8) 

God takes care of His own even while they sleep. (Psalm 127:2, CEV) 

When you lie down you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. (Proverbs 3:24)

Ah-h-h sweet sleep.....even in the middle of the 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.

TRUTH: A NEW YORK TIMES LIST

Sharing papers is a Longreen tradition---at least with my north and south neighbors. It's the way I have the Sunday "NYTimes Book Review" to peruse. It's worth the wait.

Today as I settled with my morning cuppa and the "Times," I discovered a "kid's section." Who knew! ("Tongue in cheek" Editors' note: This section is not to be read  by Grown-ups.") 

Apart from games, maps, hat making, instructions, recipes and writing contests the entire back page listed 19 "The truth is kids....."

Examples: ....kids don't let differences divide them; .....kids bring people together; kids appreciate a good story; .....kids can handle the truth.

As one who appreciates even numbers, I would have added----Kids must know truth in order to handle the truth accurately as #20! (2 Timothy 2:15)

The sum of God's Word is truth. (Psalm 119:160) It all adds up and would be a worthy addition to the NYTimes truth list.

FUNCTIONAL AGING (A.M.A.P.)

At our church, the LLL or Triple Ls are the ones whose class members would all check the last box on the age information-----above 65! Chronologically aging.

Functional aging is physical and out of our control. Attitudinal aging is a choice.

I'm wondering if checking that last box for some years now should have been an alliterative reminder for me---one who, too often, languishes in lethargy or lapse into anxiety.

Lethargy looms.  Lethargy lingers. Lethargy lessens.
Anxiety accelerates. Anxiety agitates. Anxiety adds angst.

Lethargy and anxiety are on opposite ends of a dysfunctional spectrum, but both are disturbances in a healthy relational life. Think sluggish vs wired!

Attitudinal lethargy and anxiety have their root in our thought life.
It's a mind battle. It's our "thoughts" which need positive intervention.
A.M.A.P. ---As Much As Possible.

I need A.M.A.P. of God's word in my thought life to be "transformed by the renewing of my mind." (Romans 12:2) I need to apply Philippians 4:8 as I capture thoughts at the entry level. and "think on these things."
True. Honest. Just. Pure. Lovely. Admirable.
Meditating on these truths will "please my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)

Functionally.....A relaxed (not sluggish) attitude lengthens a man’s life.  (Proverbs 14:30, TLB) and a cheerful heart is good medicine.  (Proverbs 17:22).....
......RX = daily dose ASAP of a cheerful heart. A.M.A.P.

SATURDAY SUPPERS!

Saturday suppers make me smile, at least this one did. 

"Is supper the same as dinner?" she asked. "Yes, but tonight's supper is going to be breakfast!" I answered.
How's that for confusing a young mind!
Sweet friend Nancy (1Thessalonians 5:24*), a true helper of the fatherless (Psalm 10:14**) is in the process of loving and caring for 3 extraordinary kids as they all await final adoption.
When N had to go for overnight testing at LeBonheur  hospital,Larry and I had the privilege of a "semi" slumber party with the other 2.
Thus, the breakfast for dinner, as they are limited to "soft" foods.
So.....eggs and pancakes became dinner and PopPop babysat M's babydoll, Sarah.

Pancakes with a twist. Squiggle pancakes, a Liles tradition.

M & M got to take a hand at cooking them....

....and "showing off" their culinary skills.

All enjoyed EATING breakfast in the PM......

.....and a good time was had by all at our chilly Saturday Supper/Dinner.

* For the God who calls you is faithful, and He can be trusted. (! Thessalonians 5:24)

**But God....you are the helper of the fatherless. (Psalm 10:14)

NEED A BREAK.....or at LEAST A PAUSE?!

Our culture is always telling us we do....need a break, that is. We even deserve it. Just ask McDonalds. My favorite breaks include reading and crossword puzzles, especially USA Today ones. (

Today my "break" is to be a time of pondering, a PAUSE,
A focus on meditation with my marginalia quotes from previous weeks.

Putting
Aside
Unnecessary
Sidelines to
Embrace meditation

• God is always doing more than I know. (Romans)
• God is builder of all things. (Hebrews 3:4)
• Gospel, a victory announcement, is our fuel and motivation. (Romans 1-3)
• Unrighteous and self-righteousness are both sins,
• Gospel is a spoken message. (Romans 10:13)
• If I abide, He will reside. (John 15)
• It's never too dark for God's light to penetrate. (No one is ever beyond His reach.)
• Jesus changes everything. (Hebrews)
• Mercy matters! (Luke 6:36)
• Worship follows belief. (John 9:38)

MEIDTATION, combined with scripture, MATTERS---it's a refreshing pause!

FRISSON OF FEAR

Frisson of fear is what happened to me as I waited for the latest biopsy results. 
Fear the antithesis of trust.

I  didn't scream out to others for prayer but I turned inward somewhat, though not exactly in a spiritual way. 

It was like a pall hanging over me---a dark pall of worry. 

Worry the antithesis of contentment & peace. (Philippians 4:6-7)*
Source of fear is NOT from the Lord. (2 Timothy 1:7)**
Discouragement can follow fear and dismay is close behind. (Isaiah 41:10)***

A bedside reminder from a dear friend and MAC mentor.

But God....in His love, mercy and great love reminded me of those truths from His Word. (Ephesians 2:4)

The biopsy was benign......but the diagnosis requires ongoing observation and treatment. Recently I had "bragged" to a friend that I now no longer had to go to doc every 6 months.
Lesson learned. No more bragging assumptions from me---I am not in control! 
"I am not in control" is a praise because I know the One who is sovereign.

Frisson of Fear be gone.

*For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

**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.

***Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with   thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

CHURCH ATTIRE

Church attire has absolutely nothing to do with the clothes you wear when you attend Sunday services. It has everything to do with the spiritual clothes believers don.

The church is the "body of Christ" and as such the spiritual wardrobe is to be worn daily. (Colossians 3:12-17)

A recent sermon by son, Buddy brought this wardrobe to mind. Click link below to listen.

Wanted Worshippers:Church Clothes January 13, 2019 

So.....don't use this blog entry as an excuse to go shopping. Rather go to your closet for the clothes of your choice----just wear them with the right attitude, especially when you join others in worship.

THE PAUSE THAT REFRESHES!

While I'm pausing to ponder this entry, you can click the link back to Thankful Thursday- Serene Sunday, 12/20/18 entry as I finally added pix.
Vintage signs take me back to "gentler times"---times at Dang-Dang's grocery in downtown Clarksville. The colorful metal bread sign that hung on the Commerce St. screen door entry---not sure if it was Colonial, Little Miss Sunshine, or Tastee Bread??? But.....as the door slammed, Dang-Dang could look up from the back meat counter and greet each customer, most by name.

More memorable than the bread sign was the Coke one that hung above the red metal coke chest where we could put our nickel in and retrieve our 6 oz, bottle of coke by dragging it to the end of the the "rails" and opening it with the bottle opener on the front. 

I would have to stand on tiptoes unless the stool was handy. Ice Cold Coca-Cola---always the "pause that refreshes." 

More later---I have to keep pausing for "life."