NO SERVICE is "SWEET!"

8/15/13 The phone read "no service." Likewise, the computer.

Occasionally the BEST service is NO service.

Sounds like a "Heart to Heart" lesson taking root.

Disconnection with the world can enrich connection with the One who truly desires connecting with us. Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)

"NO SERVICE" RESULTS: Silence, Solitude, Quietness of Soul, Serenity of Spirit, Listening Opportunities, Simplicity of Agenda---just to mention a few!!

 In His Presence is fulness of Joy. (Psalm 16:11)
SWEET SERVICE!

MOUNTAIN TIME

8/13/13 In the mountains---no time (little internet access and not much inclination to blog.)
More later....

HOPEFUL MEDITATION #1

8/12/13

Following yesterday’s entry about hope, I spent time in the Psalms.

Those who acknowledge God in their lives have a hope that others might not even understand. God matters to them. Hope for better tomorrows are a part of their lives, regardless of the trials or struggles they are facing this side of heaven. They acknowledge His goodness. Their hope is in Him.

Show me your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me,
 
for you are God my Savior,and my hope is in you all day long Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love,or they are from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me,
for you, Lord, are good. (Psalm 25:4-7) 

Today, “think” on the hope offered by the Lord.

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: HOPE

8/11/13

WHAT? No snapshot and this is Sunday. The entry advertises a photo, so where is it?

Due to a transfer snafu, the picture of hope will be different for each of you.

Imagine, if you will, a door wreath at Jones Clinic at the entry to the “chemo area.” See in your mind boa-type wisps of a feathery pink. Note embellishment of “pink breast cancer awareness” ribbons. Visualize words of encouragement & hope written in black on thin white ribbon.  There’s your picture.

A picture of hope.

Actually, over the last 12 months, I have seen faces of the Jones Clinic clientele who are pictures of hope themselves.  There’s nothing like the diagnosis of a terminal illness to increase one’s hope for life. An extension of life. 

I’ve also witnessed kind, caring, but honest nurses. I applaud each of the similarly encouraging patients, who are all on the same side of the cancer struggle. 

All are hopeful. Hopeful not only for themselves but for each other as well.

The patients I see most often are all a picture of Psalm 33:20-22.

We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
even as we put our hope in you.

Picture that in your thoughts until I find the original snapshot of hope.

Research says….

8/10/13 Statistics show……Research indicates……Current research confirms…..

As an educator these phrases easily catch my attention. But also, as an educator, I’m skeptical because I understand that data can be manipulated or “read & interpreted” in order to substantiate what the researcher purports as truth.

Years ago a study that caught my attention claimed, “...family who plays together stays together.” Beyond that result, was the claim that the top activity under the “play” finding was camping. In other words, the camping aspect of play seemed to really seal the deal for keeping the family together. 

I liked that idea but…..after a week in the woods with 6 grands, the word “play” is a misnomer. Camping is work. Camping necessitates working together. Such work is probably just as valuable as the “fun.”  At least, that’s my experience.

This past week K-Love shared some “research findings” which experientially I have found to be true.  In a “Well Being” study, the research showed that well-being comes from doing for others. In others words “doing good” is better for you than feeling good.

Scripture calls it “one anothering”  in 30+ verses. 

Serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13)

But if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us. (1 John 4: 12)

Certainly God’s love in a person would enhance his/her well-being.

That research finding, based on truth of Scripture, rings true to me!

ANNIVERSARY ALTERNATIVE

8/9/13 44 YEARS! Happy Anniversary to us! 

But.....original anniversary plans went awry. So....we decided to celebrate locally----in our zip code. Around the corner. Convenient. Yet, a new culinary adventure.

Though we missed being with our friends, the "new" place turned out to be a delicious alternative. Southward has only been open a week but.....the chef knows his way around the kitchen. "Southward--Onward" is my take on it.

My halibut was the best I've ever had but my favorite thing on the plate, and it was all good, was the field pea cakes! Oh, my! Hubby's steak and shrimp risotto were also tasty and I ate off of his salad wedge topped with all kinds of goodies along with the Benton smoked ham. Too full for dessert.... though the unusual banana split was pretty tempting.

Though a negative complication necessitated a change, certainly the "fare" alternative was a positive for this anniversary couple.

Spirit of Complaint: addendum

8/8/13 Conviction was the impetus of yesterday's brief blog entry. "Complaint is not a spiritual gift."

Recalling that phrase, first heard from friend Ellen's hubby Dick and compounded by my own daughter's admonishment to NOT be a "Dotsy Downer," lead to some self-examination. I have been in the habit of defining, or more likely rationalizing, my "words" as concern or just observation. But God.....used others in my life to show me otherwise. A least no one used the "nag" word----at least not recently.

I do think that often the very same words can be used as either a comment/observation, or as an "all out" complaint. Hm-m-m.....as if there are degrees of difference. Hm-m-m-m....maybe once again rationalization is taking over.

Probably.....a complaint is a complaint, is a complaint, whether uttered through gritted teeth or "hidden" behind a grin. 

I do think that in my life the "light" has come on in this area of complaint. Where there's light there's usually conviction. I'm seeing it for what it is----sin. Complaint seems synonymous with ingratitude.

Recent trips to friend Claudia's chemo treatment and conversations with newly diagnosed friend, Mary B. were flood lights of conviction for me. Positive living. Living without complaint in the face of the dark diagnosis of cancer. Prayerful, grateful, trusting.

God sent  help in the form of a reminder. Aggie's blog comment from "across the pond" introduced me to 2 Samuel 22:29. (Which I have since prayed for myself and others.)

For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness. (KJV)

Suddenly, God, your light floods my path, God drives out the darkness. (The Message)

Complaint is NOT a spiritual gift. Complaint is a darkness that needs to be dispelled.

Spirit of Complaint

8/7/13 Spirit of Complaint...it's NOT a spiritual gift!

YaYa's Wisdom

8/6/13 Last week, the Texans' Texas grandmother, YaYa,  shared some insightful gems, gleaned from a counseling conference.

Two Questions---children have for their earthly parents.

• Do you love me?
• Can I have my way?

Two Questions---children (even adult ones) have for their heavenly Father.

• Do you love me?
• Can I have my way?

The answers are the same:

• YES, to the love question. 

Parents love their children unquestionably. 

In the same way, God's love for His children is indisputable. 

• NO, to the "have my way question."

Parents need to provide the foundational guidance, safety and moral direction for their children until adulthood is reached.

In the same way God provides the foundational truths needed for His children to live a life of purpose. His purpose. It's not about us! It's God's purpose for us as a part of His plan for humanity and His glory. God must continue to direct one's steps  until maturity in Christ is attained on the eternal timetable.

Many plans are in a man's mind, but it is the Lord's purpose for him that will stand. (Proverbs 19:21)

Thanks to YaYa for sharing her Allender Q & A. 

T-Shirt Theology

8/5/13 Nowadays a person's wardrobe has a way of espousing their belief's----at least in the T-shirt domain. More than advertising or designer logos. Sometimes a "cause" or a "beef" is front and center.

This past week I saw several T-Shirt "backs" that had me thinking and one that gave me pause for meditation. One was still hanging on a sale rack in the ice cream shop "gift" area. T-Shirt #2 was being worn by a VBS teacher eating lunch at Chick-fil-A (natch) in Lebanon, TN.

Life is bumpy. Enjoy the ride.
So true. Life sometimes offers twists and turns that we don't expect....but they are part of "our life story," as Taylor taught us on Sunday. So.......choose acceptance,  pray for God's strength and enjoy the ride as much as possible.

In order to get through the fear of those "bumps" in life that come our way.....one must choose to trust God. 

For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7) 

Focus (meditate) on God's love and power---not on those fearful bumps. Make that your theology and wear it on your own T-Shirt, if you choose.