PURSUIT OF PURPOSE

1/19/13 I am in pursuit of  gleaning "knowledge" on life's purpose from the book of Ecclesiastes. I have learned that this book of the Bible is not often preached from the pulpit because it is difficult to understand. I concur. Yet, I have been assigned a portion (Eccles. 3: 16-4:16) to teach for our women's Heart to Heart Bible study group. 

Thus....here a stack, 

     there a stack, 

          everywhere a stack, stack! Of books, that is.

First and foremost I have my Bible  but as I write down my THOTS (Trusting Him On This Scripture /Subject) & I read other writings for further info.

Will share other gleanings from Ecclesiastes as I gather them.

From a great intro, I have learned that one should NOT let what you don't understand from God's word, rob you of what you do understand. I also realize that an overview helps, because if I don't read to the end of the book, I could easily teach out of context in my small section. I could be "stuck" in the scoffer or cynic mode with a "slanted" view of life. Meaningless. Futile. An unending, never satisfying pursuit. But God......"shows up" in the last chapter. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

As Ray Stedman says, "Contentment and joy are gifts fo God: they come to people who take life daily, whatever it may bring, from the hand of a loving Father." (Is This All There Is to Life?, 1999)

It's God who brings meaning to life.

"a-DOOR-a-ble"

1/15/12 Some doorways are more inviting than others.These entryways just seem to say, "Come on in." One such doorway is on my walking route and I love to watch the "inviting" seasonal changes. From stacked pumpkins and  Christmas decor, they often get me thinking about the importance of being welcoming---even in my own demeanor. Outwardly, what am I exhibiting to others?

When I walked past "the" entry Saturday, I was charmed with all the girly fluff. Later in the day, the street was filled with many who were "invited in." The baby was turning one.
They even had pink buckets to hold the umbrellas. Wet weather did not diminish the BIG event one bit.

Truly adorable---Today Miss A is officially 1 !

What a celebration! This young Christian couple celebrates life's moments and allows others to see their joy. What a testimony to God's goodness.

Knowing God: think on that

 1/14/12 This past week, Ephesian 3:19 my choice verse for meditation this year had me considering "know the love of Christ" and "filled up to all the fulness of God"

Friend & prayer warrior, Wynellen prayed it for me though she went back to verse 17 which reminded me of "being rooted and grounded in love."

and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (NIV)

To me knowing God begins in that love----to know that love fills me with all the fulness of God. These past weeks I have desired such prayers as I desperately needed to fully know His love. To know Him better. To experience the joy of knowing Him."There is no greater joy" and yet, I was struggling in the "joy" category. Circumstances, both physical and emotional. were weighing me down. To those closest to me, my life was NOT showing the great value of knowing Him.

I know this because as the pastor quoted Jim Elliot, I felt God tugging at my heart strings.

"Lord, make my way prosperous not that I achieve high station, but that my life be an exhibit to the value of knowing God.” (Jim Elliot, missionary)

That's my prayer. "Lord, may my life exhibit the incomparable value of knowing You!"

SABBATH SNAPSHOT: SURPRISE

1/13/13 What's Wrong with This Picture??? These daffodils (buttercups, to kids everywhere) with bright yellow blossoms and their trumpet shaped centers are perfect. No surprise there.

The surprise is the date!!! These spring-blooming perennials bloom after winter is over and this picture was taken January 12 and a few of the blooms opened even before that!

 

Thru the seasons of friendship…..

1/12/12 From faculty wives' meetings and Campus School PTA to weddings and births of grands, there are some friendships that just span generations along with several house moves. Sally is such a friend. A friend in the faith. Hubby still pesters her for her strawberry salad which is his fave. She brought it to him in 1974 after the diving tragedy. It was one of the few things he could even eat because his grief was so deep. She and I have also shared “C” journeys, though hers was much worse than mine.

Nowadays we share the “funeral factor” as we have buried our parents. But how blessed to be there with each other during those times. Today I had the privilege of being on “kitchen crew” at her house just as she did for me when Larry’s folks passed away. Her daddy, Frank Smith, was such a fine man and a great storyteller, so it was a privilege to “man” the kitchen in his honor…. and fun to laugh at the precious retelling of little Mason’s comment, “My grandpa’s in that box right there, but his soul is in heaven.” Smart youngster!

That’s what friends are for…..being there---in every season of life, especially the hard ones.

The best part of waking up is.....

1/10/13 .....! We all know the rest of that jingle---at least Folgers hopes we do. But for me, today the best part of waking up was Bewley's in my cuppa. I love black tea, especially Assam or Darjeeling. Bewley's Irish Breakfast Tea is a combo of the two. Plus, though I usually limit my caffeine intake, I knew the day ahead would require a little. Besides, recent "research" seems to show that caffeine increases memory---that's needed so that I don't forget that "The Lord has said that he would dwell in a dark cloud;"...(2 Chronicles 6:1)  Caffeine is also effective for easing depression and increasing stamina. Today's schedule warranted it.

Sometimes life can throw a few curve balls not only to one's self but also to those dear to one's heart. 

With cuppa of caffeine in one hand, the verse reminding me that the "LORD is even in the dark cloud" in my head, and Jesus Today in my traveling book bag I headed out to "face" my day. 

But God.....reminded me through entry 10 (Jesus Today, p. 23) to affirm my trust in Him as I wait hopefully......watching and seeing what He will do.

The best part of the day was Him "waking me up" to His Presence in the shadowy darkness.

CUT AND PASTE DOCTRINE

1/9/13 Until this past Sunday’s sermon, (1/13/13) I had never heard of a Thomas Jefferson Bible. According to our pastor, Jefferson created his own gospel theology by removing from his own Bible the parts he didn’t agree with, especially the “miracles.” He obviously used something sharp, maybe scissors, to cut out parts he didn’t agree with and just pasted them on blank paper. It was a pasting up his own account of Christ’s philosophy. Jefferson's own cut and paste theology. It allowed God’s Word to fit Jefferson’s own inclinations. If it didn’t fit, out it went.

As you read with mouth agape, don’t lord yourself as “holier than thou” over Mr. Jefferson. Instead, ask your self how many times you, too, have wanted to “pick and choose” the parts of the Bible that you agree with and then dismiss all the rest.

Jefferson’s version created a God who would never do what Jefferson could not explain, such as a miracle. His cut and paste gave him a god who would not say “no” to Jefferson’s own wants and will.

A cut and paste god is NOT as big as the one true God of the one true Bible. (Psalm 33:4)

VERSE 2013

1/7/12 My first "Meditation Monday" verse for 2013 is the "verse" I hope to hang my hat on throughout the year.  A verse I will seek to ingest as a part of my discipline of "Scripture Intake." The verse I will pray for others. The verse I hope others will pray for me. Ephesians 3:19 is the scripture with the version citation following the verse. Different translations are listed to offer food for thought and to increase one's "appetite" for meditation!

May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. (NLT)

and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (NIV)

And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. (The Message, MSG)

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: READING ALOUD

1/6/13 For years, at least 40, I have espoused the importance of reading aloud! How blessed I was this past week to hear my son reading aloud to 4 of his sons---my precious grands, who all listen in their own way. 

NOAH JOSHUA LILES 1/3/2004

1/3/13 HAPPY 9^TH BIRTHDAY, NOAH!

I prayed “your” Proverbs 3 for you today, especially verses 5-6 & 20-23.

Enjoy your "Wii dance 4“ birthday!

I love you. Shug, your “Dancing Granny” 

6 months

2 years

4 years

7 years

Almost 9