MEDITATION MADE SIMPLE

Hear/ Read God's Word in the morning!

In the morning, bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go for to you I entrust my life. (Psalm 43:8)

Ponder!

SATURDAY SHORT!

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever.

(isaiah 40:8)

The Scripture cannot be broken. (John 10:35)

Nothing can annul God's eternal truth. (Knowing God, p.79)

Ponder this truth the rest of the weekend.

FRIDAY FUNNY NEEDED!

Life is full of ups and downs. Certainly I have been on an emotional roller coaster these last few weeks as I have mourned the death of two dear friends and been saddened by new diagnosis of others. Sad news can pull the rug out from under me even tho I know God is good.

Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us of all those contrasting ups and downs we go through----there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 1:1)---even times of laughter. Ecclesiastes !:4

A bit of "Ferrell Funny" that is "spot on" reality---

This funny has tears streaming from laughter which I greatly needed. 

PRAISE POSTURES!

How does one express praise to the Lord?

Is there more that one way?

Positionally? Stand up and praise the LORD your God? (Nehemiah 9:5)

With lifted hands? In your name, I will lift up my hands. (Psalm 63:4) 

O, Clap your hands all people; (Psalm 47:1a)

With voice? Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. (Psalm 63:45)

Volume? Shout to God with the voice of joy. (Psalm 47:1b)

Singing or talking?  Sing to Him. Sing praises to Him. (Psalm 28:5, & 105:1)

In dance? Young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. (Jeremiah 31:13)

A cantate domino calls for praises from God's chosen people as they sing to the LORD a new song. (Psalm 98:1)

In combination?  Let them praise His name with dancing and make music to Him with timbrels and harp. (Psalm 149:3)

No matter your position of choice, continue to praise the LORD and bring glory to His name!

MEDITATIVE MEANDERINGS!

The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof....(Psalm 24:1) 

See how the flowers of the field grow. (Matthew 6:28)

Carolina Snailseed found in Texas

Trumpet bush/Yellow Bells

Common Sunflower---to bright to be labeled common

Goldenrod--so familiar to Kentucky folks

Creation is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our/my eyes. (Psalm 118:23) 

🎶For the wonder of each hour

of the day and of the night,

hill and vale and tree and flower

sun and moon and stars of light. {Refrain}

Christ, our Lord, to you we raise,

this our hymn of grateful praise.🎶

Words of Scripture and lyrics from hymn, "For the Beauty of the Earth" have enhanced this meditative Monday.

SATURDAY SHORT!

Concise but Complete.

JESUS

Your only way to God

AR I-30W just before Exit 3.............in the middle of a field.

5 words say it all! (John 14:16)

PONDERING!

Oh what a day!

With a "flower fairy" delivery just for me!

I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. 

Your way O God, is holy. What god is great like our God! (Psalm 77:12-13) 

COLLECTIVE NOUNS INTRIGUE!

At a recent fish-fry with friends at the Tackers, my on-going intrigue with collective nouns surfaced. 

Sometimes a topic of discussion can take its own turn as that night I shared a term I had read in a detective story. Pam's phone helped jog my memory when I could only come up with the first letter. 

M-- for a group of crows. 

A "murder" of crows. 

Today I saw said group of raucous crows at GAC---so large they could fit right in with Poe's ravens. 

That sighting had me pondering other collective nouns as my thoughts returned to that time with Lynn, Connie and Pam.

What is an all encompassing noun for believers in fellowship? (Acts 2:42)

Is there a collective noun for faith folks?

Bevy of Believers. 

Calm of Christians.

Choir of Christians.

Congregation of Worshippers.

Folks of faith. 

Grace-forged friends = fellowship.* (1 John 1:7)

How about, "All the Above?"

*Scotty

PORTMANTEAU: A PERFECT RECOLLECTION!

* 9/9 Youngest grandson, Jack, just provided me with the best portmanteau of the week. "Trifficult!" When trying to make it to potty on time or trying to pick up all his toys...he  says it's too difficult even to try! It's too trifficult!  

A portmanteau out of the mouth of a babe. (Matthew 21:16)

NO TRIFFICULTY AT ALL  for my weekend portmanteau blog entry thanks to Jack!

RETRO-FOCUS!

Retrofocus has only been a photography "lens" term that I never quite understood.This past week I have used it as a lens through which I revisited my past times with Sarah Young. 

Looking back has soothed my soul. A much needed balm. 

A signature. A picture. Texts. E-mails. A cuppa together.

Notes in my Jesus Calling journal & other journals as well.

No WOE with her, no matter how many opportunities for woe in her life, her focus was rarely there. Maybe a simple prayer request that I saw as a "biggie." Then a turn  to Words of Encouragement for me. 

She also gave me encouraging words to share with others during tough times, when I had no words.

At the crux of my MAC cancer journey in 2009, an 8:37 pm email offered comfort so I could sleep.

Helping me to hang my guilt away in a locked area of my mind.(Isaiah 61:10)

Modeling God's grace to replace remorse.

Teaching me time with Him is the best R & R! (1 Chronicles 16:11)

Helping me focus. Refocus. And Refocus. (Repeat as often as it takes.)

Today I wished she were here with me, an SOS of sorts. 

I already know that she would remind me of the BEST SOS---when in distress, Seek Our Savior!  

I'll refocus with that sweet reminder from Sarah.