Tuesday, July 29, 2025

POWERFUL HEARTFELT WORDS!

A timely card from a talented friend brightened my day. 
I thank my God in all remembrance of her. (Philippians 1:3) She uses God's word to share that she" holds me in her heart." (Philippians 1:4)
On a week when I await the funeral of two friends' husbands, those words offer comfort that I can pray for them as well! 

"When I pray for you, my heart is full.....for you have a very special place in my heart." 

Monday, July 28, 2025

BUT GOD.....1

Blue skies. Green trees. Milder temps.
All magnified by a phrase from God's word on a car in the parking lot.
Walking slowly holding hubby's arm and  praying for friends who last week were labeled wives and this week are leaning into the LORD even more as widows who will be attending the funeral of their late husbands this week.
Though all around them circumstances have changed, both have clearly understood the importance of "but God" who in His love and mercy has provided many prayerful saints as their prayer warriors and helpers.
O Lord continue to be their "refuge and the strength of their heart and portion forever."

Thursday, July 24, 2025

THANKFUL THURSDAY CONCLUDES WITH A GREAT BOOK1

When eyes grow weak an avid reader might struggle. But God in His love and mercy has provided all the tech needed for audio books or 
'books on tape" as they were dubbed in the 80s. I know because as I read aloud years ago to a blind friend paralyzed friend, I would leave audio books set up for him on weeks I would be unable to visit & his caregiver would just press start. He dubbed them life savers!
In the past year, I have listened to a few audible books on my Libby app, but none as timely as The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs.Kip by Sara Brunsvoid, a Christy Award - and Carol Award- winning author who creates stories of hope.

It has been a Godsend since my recent short hospital stay 2 weeks ago followed by rest for recuperation to "hear" of a spirited septuagenerian spending her final season of life in a care facility. The audio book is enriched as "narrator" Sara Farrington is excellent!
An enjoyable book of hope, regardless of circumstances. 
A great reminder of the importance of dying to self, again and again in order to serve others well.
How thankful I am for that reminder!!

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

HEART RESTORATION!

3 Rs of Heart Restoration.
Last night my heart monitor quit.
I never saw the signals. Beeps and Blinks. 
I never felt the alerts. 
Hubby reread instructions......which I couldn't understand.
Restoration was needed. Guidelines were required for recharging.

I called the "24/7 hotline". The answering machine suggested going to emergency room or calling back M-F between 8 and 5 pm EST.
Whatever happened to truth in advertising!?

How grateful I am for the Lord's restoration of my heart. He is truly available 24/7! Revival comes through prayer! True Heart revival. 

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
1Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. (Psalm 51:10-12)

His word has all the instructions clearly written, understandable & ever available via the Holy Spirit......for relatable, renewing, reviving of one's heart.

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

BLOSSOMS!

Blooming where planted regardless of circumstances, even aging, has one flourishing and producing fruit. Think blossoming spiritually!

Fruit bearing is a result of spending time with the Lord whether in bed, on a prayer walk, sitting on a front porch or in a prayer chair!
The godly will flourish......even in old age! (Psalm 92:12, 14 NLT)

Monday, July 21, 2025

PITHY PONDERINGS!

How doe one survive the storms of life?
(Tim Keller faith in Christ reminder to "rest in Him."
Hope in the One whose name is majestic in all the earth. (Psalm 8:1, 9)
He is "our" God.

In short, to survive the storms of life, stay in the boat with Him!

Thursday, July 17, 2025

ROOTED!

"Sink your roots in Him and build on Him. Be strengthened by the faith you were taught, and overflow with Thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:7, NOG)

As it says in Matthew 13:3-6, (paraphrased) when there is "no depth of soil, roots wither away."

May the Lord extend my roots to the Living Water today as I  trust in His Spirit to guide me to flourish with my mind rooted and filled with Scripture to stay steady through life's ups and downs.

"Yes" and "Amen." To God be the glory.

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

MISTY MOUNTAIN MEANDERING!

In everything give thanks. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

When life's struggles overwhelm......give thanks!

When high temps prevent walking......give thanks.

In all medical circumstances that disappoint.....give thanks.

This morning, lower temps allowed an early morning walk----a first walk in July! More of a meandering! Thanks flooded my mind!

Handicap parking was available. No walkers blocking views. Sounds of rushing waters from last night's rain. His peace had cocooned my mind and heart. 

Then, things changed----busloads  of  WCU cross country runners appeared for their 4 mile run......along with their photographer from Furman.
But God made it easy give thanks as all in their youthful strength and attitude, smiled and said hello as they passed us by....both coming and going!

Why give thanks? The answer is straight from God's Word.
It is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

TERSE VERSE

Today's verse might not be terse but the words from a praying friend were just what I needed to start my day. A "lifter-up of my head" as it says in Psalm 3. My entire body seemed spiritually lifted as it the Lord were "strengthening my frame" for the day ahead. (Isaiah 58:11)
I rise spiritually; Lucy, age 13 in Long Island NY, rises physically.
Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear;  then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. (Isaiah 58:8)
*Click to read Journeys blog from 2015

Monday, July 14, 2025

MONDAY MUSINGS!

CULTIVATE CONTENTMENT TODAY to ENDURE CRISIS TOMORROW!
Avinash ABC (Philippians 4:13)