PATHS OF LIFE!

Few paths in life are straight. The direction or length of the path can be an age-related choice based on one's physical attributes.

Though beautiful, many paths are even rocky.....both physical and mental.

So............how does one recognize the path or paths that are just right for him/her? 

Warning---My paths became so curvy, you will be confused.

Recent bedtime reading, Bathed in Prayer by Jan Karon, I came across an excerpt from her 2005 book Light from Heaven, prayer of the vicar's as he, Father Tim, sat and dog, Barnabas leaned against his shoulder. 'I am Thine, O Lord. Show me Thy ways, teach me Thy paths, lead me in Thy truths and teach me.'

(Psalm 25:4-5a)

My ESV Bible had Psalm 25 listed as Teach Me Your Paths 

OF DAVID

The first 2 verses "had" me for a few days. A great starting point for my path. I sat and went nowhere.

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

O my God, in you I trust.

The next curve in my path took me to an on-line devotional book. Songs of Jesus by Timothy Keller. I sat in my prayer chair. February 13 was location for Psalm 25:1-7. He emphasized David's convictions were "a man must live by the help of God, not by his wits." Keller's concluding prayer began, "Lord, I want to live according to your Word--"your ways, your truth"....

Obviously, somedays one can follow the path God has for them without ever standing up or leaving the house. 

KINDNESS COMMENTS AND BEYOND!

How rewarding to receive a special gift from a dear couple who have been longtime friends! A kind gift---a book I had never read! A book full of kindness woven into life's complexities. The book had me at the humor on the dedication page all the way to the PROLOGUE! 

Did I mention even a gift offering at the end?

Theo of Golden, published in 2023 when I had an occipital lobe stroke & I was unable to read without audio help. This timely 2025 gift became for me a book to savor. 

Often I saw examples of where joy and sorrow could co-exist. It reminded me of 2 Corinthians 6:10 phrases "as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing, as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing but possessing everything."

"Sadness and joy can co-exist" as seen in the lives of some in Golden. Theo's "friend" Asher believed "for anything to be truly good, there must be love in it. He then asked Theo how does one know if something has love in it? Theo responded ".....That is the question, isn't it? And I'm not sure I know the answer either. But God does. (Theo of Golden, p. 129. Emphasis mine)

Amen. God knows the answers we need!

Throughout the book, I sensed Theo's wisdom was sadness can make one bitter or wise. 

Hmm-- Sadness can make one bitter or wise.

Metaphorically, I'll take that one step further......

The choice is ours! But God knows the best answer. 

WISDOM NEGATES WORRY!

Don't worry be happy is a bogus catch-phrase! It gives no counsel or real wisdom to one who has a "worry-bent"----even knowing worry is worthless!

(Wisdom's) Ways are highways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. Proverbs 3:17, AMPC.

May this former teacher, yet often slow learner, remember the wisdom of "praying BIG to worry less" thus clearing the "worry-webs" in her head.

TORN AND TATTERED!

Torn and Tattered. The way I feel some days!

Once belonging to F. Heron. Purchased by me in 1998(?) in Harley, England near Gatwick Airport. Diane A., JoLynn H. Pam Higg, and I were staying at Kevin's B&B near the antique shop. 

Reason for purchasing....Psalms prayers, Hymns of old & pictures similar the ones in Mama Davenport's KJV Bible.

I appreciated the wealth of wisdom therein.

 

God guides me with His counsel (wisdom TLB, wise advice, NIRV)....for me it is good to be near God; 

(Psalm 73:24a & 28:a)

Never torn and tattered but fresh and new each day.

ADVENT: WORTHY OF NOTE!

For Christians, Advent is an important celebration of the four weeks leading up to Christmas and the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ! An advent wreath usually contains three purple, one pink and one white candle.

Today in North Carolina, Tennessee & Texas the first candle, a purple candle signifying hope, was lit by special people in special ways.

A Baptist Church in Bryson City, NC

An Evangelical Church in Memphis, TN

Isaiah 11:9

A Bible Church in Allen, Texas

Jesus is true God and true man are celebrations worthy of note in the Christian community of faith!  

SCRIPTURE & HYMN OF GRATEFUL PRAISE!

SCRIPTURE & HYMN OF GRATEFUL PRAISE! 

Humming and praising as I go today!

But God....reminded me to start first with Him!

Psalm 100 it was---already bookmarked with a card from Joyce Ann!

My ESV Bible labels it A PSALM FOR GIVING THANKS!

• Serve the Lord with gladness. Come into His presence with singing! (v. 2)
• Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! (v.4a)
• Give thanks to him; bless his name! (v.4b)

SCRIPTURE & HYMN OF GRATEFUL PRAISE 

IN EVERYTHING..GIVE THANKS!

IN EVERYTHING..GIVE THANKS!

4 words that say it all!

As today began, our horn of plenty, aka cornucopia from harvest days, was overflowing! 10 of family and friends coming for Thanksgiving. 

All sharing in the bounty of bringing and enjoying!

Daughter called..... sick....unable to come or make food. 

Jack has fever!

Owen unable to help us move furniture. 

Prayers needed for healing---comfort & strength! 

-4 coming. 

Run to store necessary to replenish with whatever's left on shelf.

Making do is what we'll do......delivering food to them too.

4 words that say it all!

IN EVERYTHING..........GIVE THANKS!

SENSORY GIFTS!

Vivid Imagery that evokes our 5 senses.....can often evoke all five & then wrap it with emotions, which one can even feel without touching!

That's what arrived at our door this past weekend! A timely gift as it will welcome others to our house for Thanksgiving!

An aromatic bouquet that touched my heart.

Beauty can be seen immediately along with reflections in the ornament. The earthy wiff/smell of the fresh evergreen is a close-up woodsy aroma. The velvety feel of the bright red bow invites fingers to stroke/touch it. When the door opens one hears the sound of ornaments "ringing" a welcome! Of the 5 senses, only taste is left. But this wreath has that covered as well with the nutcracker standing guard to remind us of taste of fresh nuts to be cracked waiting inside!

This sensory generous gift from our friends in the faith, Beth and Bill, has warmed our hearts and coaxed warm memories of so many Christmas Eves in the past! 

Thanks you! Thank you!! Thank you!!! (1Thessalonians 1:2)

GOD ORCHESTRATED PATHS CROSSING!

Have you ever met someone from Texas on your first week in a new state? (North Carolina) A new state for her as well! 

We sat right beside each other at the driver's license place making the long wait an adventure!

The next day, we ran into each other again at the Courthouse picking up our new tags. She unknowingly picked up the last "In God We Trust Plate." A choice that showed me our hearts were in the same place! 

One day Mr.Mike seated for a yummy lunch at Everett Street Diner---just the two of us-- not sure where our hubbies were. We both took home our left-overs--again, girl after my own heart! 

She visited our home for a "Molly" event. Larry and I visited her home overlooking Fontana Lake--blog readers have seen beautiful pictures she shared from there!

My first medical malady hit. Visitors were not to be part of my recovery!

She started praying and kept praying when more and more doctor appointments and hospital visits in far away places, became somewhat routine. She kept praying and texting----keeping up, even when I could not.

Recently, a "new to me", autographed devotional book, GOOD MORNING, God!, arrived; the author, Ginger Hurta, is a friend of hers! Daily entries "seem spot on."

Entering Thanksgiving week, today's entry certainly hit the spot for me!

Glory in His holy name, 

let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!

(1 Chronicles 16:10)

Grateful for the Lord orchestrating our paths to cross! May we both continue to have hearts that rejoice in the Lord for His glory & the good of our friendship! Cathy G. and me!!

SUNRISE SUNDAY TO SERENE SABBATH!!

What a begining to my day! 

A bIg thanks to Cathy G. for sharing.

She probably saw it yesterday from her mountain ridge over looking Fontana Lake! But I saw the pic as I started my Sabbath!

A SERENE SABBATH BEGINNING!

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you." (Isaiah 60:1)

Believers, lets awaken to God's call and reflect His light and Presence every step of the way to today!

More to come....probably tomorrow as we're headed to church and I won't be online after, if I want an extended serene Sabbath!