"Lean on Me"

9/12/11 Son Buddy would often sit at our piano and play (by ear) songs that we requested. Elnora always asked for "Lean on Me." Then she'd lean over and whisper, "I want him to play that at my funeral one day." It's not a spiritual song but often as Buddy's audience of one, she felt like it was just for her.

"Lean on me, when you're not strong, and I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on."

We all need someone to lean on at certain times in our lives.
Today's (9/12) Streams in the Desert's entry speaks of a leaning side. Those sides of weakness when we especially need to trust the Lord "to extend His mighty arm" and steady us on our leaning (weak) side.
My leaning side is often in my understanding of how to discern His will/path for me in the "dailies" without "self" getting in the way. So....I need to be reminded to "lean" on HIm and not on self.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)

Verse 6 follows with the affirmation that if I do this, He will direct my paths. He does the hard part, I just have to "lean."

Guest Bloggers

9/11/11 This entry keeps coming to mind everytime some one comments on my DotsyDetails blog or e-mails me a profound †hought based on †ruth. Points to ponder or questions to ask myself. A new perception of an old familiar verse or hymn. Insight into suffering. An interpretation of a Jesus Calling entry. A thank you. A great acrostic or just a funny “religious” cartoon to make me smile. All are encouraging. Thus today’s verse with some perceptions and encouragement from 15 “guest bloggers”---6 of whom, I’ve never even met.

… that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love …” (Ephesians 2:2)

Carolyn (MS) I have never had a problem trusting Him for my life, but for other things?? My actions say I don’t. “Practicing the Presence of God,” (from your blog) I need to be speaking to Him more throughout the day. (copy of e-mail still wedged in my Jesus Calling 9/9 entry w/ ? for self, “Do my actions reflect trust?)

Carolyn (AL) I used to say that “wait” is a four-letter word. Although wait still has only four letters in it, I’m learning to see that waiting is only tolerable through the power, strength, and grace of the Lord. A powerful lesson to learn and one for which I am so truly grateful.

Rachel (NY) The same God that you trusted with every breath before the news (cancer) is the same God who reigns over you and protects you now.

Debbie (MS) Glory to God whom we can trust because He alone can give “the grace-filled capacity to face the unthinkable and be fruitful in the unimaginable.” (When I Lay My Isaac Down, p. 377)

Edie (TN) The words on your blog convey such a sense of peace, trust, and joy that I am overwhelmed. Thank you for sharing them and know that they serve as encouragement as well as direction…..

Norm (TN) The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you.

Karla (TN) A friend in choir gave me a Jesus Calling. Now I can read along with you. Later found out she even knows you---a true “God thing.”

Maggie (CT & FL) I ordered Jesus Calling so I can be with you daily through His words. (& this book)

Sarah Young (Australia—author of Jesus Calling) Dotsy, I read your pithy-with-punch blog with great interest. Well done!

JoAnne (TN) Please do not stop writing. Your writings remind me of devotionals as they spur me on in my real life relationship with Jesus. It’s theology wrapped in skin and handed off to us.

Mary Flo (TX) What a joy to read your blog, and yet it left me wanting more!!! Loved the mailman story (w/grandson) & of your walk with him. I was thrilled to know that your favorite hymn is Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing…MINE, TOO!!!

Agnes (France) Interesting how the Father seems to be saying the same things to His children, even though separated geographically by great distances. Years ago I heard Dave and Karen Maines on a Moody B.I. radio program, telling about their family's "Where did I see God in my life today" journal. The idea caught my attention and I began my personal journal, putting in writing each evening some incident or way in which I had seen God in my life that day. After awhle I stopped, but later while re-reading some of the entries realized the tremendous value of recording God's faithfulness. So it's become part of my daily life. A great way to REMEMBER God's presence, whether in big or little ways - but can anything that our great God does be called "little"?!.

Ron (NC) The spiritual angle you bring to your life events is very refreshing and inspirational.

Jenni (MS) I have no idea who you are, and I’m sure we have never met….. but today I stumbled on your blog. Isn’t it awesome to see the hand of the Lord in our “coincidences.”……Please know that another stranger has prayed Romans 8:26) for you today. (4/9/10)

Michèle (Germany) Dotsy---your faith will be your fiercest ally during the challenges ahead, though you have no idea yet of what that “mountain” will truly entail. Here’s her blog excerpt “…… battles against this disease are much more taxing than mine was, which leaves me with little other than prayers to offer…except that I am a survivor. I’ve been there, (cancer mountain) climbed that, and now have the “view” to prove it. That alone, even without words put to it, carries a victorious message.”

As Michèle’s blog continued I realized how universal it was for any of us facing trials and sufferings in life.

“Whether they’re emotional, physical, or spiritual, the mountains we’ve conquered are not ours to own, but ours to share. We might not always want to revisit the pain we’ve suffered or the crippling we’ve endured, but if we don’t offer them to others as a testimony of God’s sustenance and love, our fellow travelers may not have to courage to find their way to the top.

“I am reminded of the responsibility we have, as survivors, to stand at the top and call down to those still struggling to the summit. Whether they’re emotional, physical, or spiritual, the mountains we’ve conquered are not ours to own, but ours to share. My encouragement to you? Speak of the treacherous paths and looming precipices you’ve known, tell the story of your climb, the tale of your survival. And when you’ve reached a place that is beautiful and stable and “breathable,” call down to those who follow and tell them of the strength that comes from surrendered weakness, of the peace that comes from vulnerable faith. Tell them that you stumbled. Tell them that you wanted to give up. Tell them that you were bruised by doubt and battered by despair…but that you made it. You. Made. It. And the view from the summit of survival? It’s priceless.”

Unity embraces Uniqueness

9/10/11 Walking in the door to the Ukraine team's "report gathering," I was offered a cuppa by the team leader. What a surprise treat. Sometimes it's hard to be a tea drinker in a coffee world. Yet, this team leader remembered my preferences and though I was probably the only tea drinker there, I felt accepted, embraced even. Special, actually.

As the gals gave their report, I began to sense their own acceptance of the uniqueness of each other and of the ladies whom they went to serve on their recent mission trip. Unity ensued.

All those present today could see that unity. Unity among team members that extended beyond themselves to embrace all members of the Ukrainian team as well as camp attendees.

Their excitement was infectious as they gave example after example of the diversity that was the crux of the †rip. All languages, nationalities, and ages, mixed with believers and non-believers were valued. Differences in spiritual gifts of the team were recognized/accepted and shared with Ukraine women and children. Similarities of their womanhood were celebrated among leaders and participants as their diverse backgrounds and unique talents were applauded. What a trip! What a blessing for all involved---even those of us on their prayer team!

Kudos to Cathy, Graziella, Pam and Shirley for being the hands and feet of our Lord, traveling a world away, embracing uniqueness as a part of unity, while serving others the "cuppa" of their choice. How special the Ukrainian women must have felt!

KUDZU Thoughts

9/9/11 Kudzu….the weed that eats the South in the summertime. (can’t remember where I read that.) So true of that invasive plant. Sort of like wisteria, give it an inch (you know the rest)---but at least wisteria has pretty blooms.

How do you combat kudzu? Can you even keep it in check? Is there anything good about kudzu?

My thought life can be like kudzu if I don’t hold it in check. “Take every thought captive.” ( I Corinthians 10:5) An unchecked thought life can be destructive. Sometimes on the roadways, kudzu can take on the form of animal shapes, a Kud-Zoo, of sorts…..but underneath, living trees can be smothered and barns and cabins are so thoroughly covered as to be on no use. That’s also what can happen to my uncontrolled thoughts, especially if I have been “wounded” by the actions of another.

Can anything good come out of kudzu? Today’s CA advertised a “brown bag lunch and learn” at the Memphis Botanic Gardens, “Cooking with Kudzu.” (Had link) A positive life approach resemblant of “if life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

So how do I make a positive thought out of my resentment toward my “hurter” when it pops into mind. First thing is to begin to pray---forgiveness is key. Filling a mind with thankfulness and rejoicing always helps too. (I Thessalonians 5: 16-18) BTW, rejoicing when the offender has put on a few extra pounds does NOT count. That’s just a kudzu thought disguised---your heart will reveal the real motive.

See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. (I Thessalonians 5: 15)

All people----even the one who is the source of your kudzu thoughts.

*Blog in honor of dear friend, Abe, who when playing Scattergories™ with "K"s puts kudzu as the answer for every category b/c as he puts it, “Kudzu covers everything.” I think he has a point!

JIFFY COOK

9/7/11 A gourmet cook I am not. I'm more the "easy" recipe type, especially if I can experiment without much fear of messing up. It's really just toast (of the burnt variety) that gives me such a bad name.
Lately I've had to cook to make room in my pantry. Remember my hubby is a bulk shopper, so we can end up with a couple of cases of dry goods rather than just a few boxes. Thus yesterday's "Jiffy" cooking spree. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; (Ecclesiastes 9:10) The banana bread made with the biscuit mix provided 3 small loaves to share with friends, though its texture was a little too cake-like for me. The corn muffins made enough to share with a friend & her hubby---though my favorite use for that muffin mix is as an addition to the corn pudding recipe that the kids love. I even made muffins for neighbors but their flight was delayed so......they're gone now.
All of this to say that even if one isn't a great cook or doesn't have a pantry of gourmet goodies, one can still share from her larder. Sharing pleases Him. Impressing man would mean I would have to wait until I had gourmet recipes (and the ability to follow them) with exotic ingredients on hand. (And that's probably not going to happen at this house, where creative concoctions are more of the norm, as is using whatever is on hand,---especially if there's lots of it.) And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; (Colossians 3:23)

Friends take warning, if you have a September or October birthday you might see "Jiffy Mix" in your future. But.....it will be packaged with love and sent with a birthday prayer.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (I Corinthians 10:31)

SFT

9/6/11 Those initials had an impact on Luke, the golfer in the film, “Seven Days in Utopia,” as in his golf game he sought to see it, feel it and trust it. Can he learn to “never follow traditions for traditions sake?” Can he follow the voice of truth (& not his dad’s)? Will he choose to no longer play for acceptance because excellence will be his coach?

Though Roger Ebert’s (thumbs up, thumbs down critic) review said he would “rather eat a golf ball than see that movie again,” I applaud this somewhat Hallmark-like movie, not only because it’s decent but because it gives hope for those who might not know their life’s purpose. There’s more to life than winning putts, first place trophies or fat paychecks. Walk in purpose.

SFT "See His Love, Feel His Presence, Trust His Word". A powerful message for life.

During yesterday’s televised Deutsche Bank Championship, Webb Simpson (unheard of to me) sank the putt in the playoffs to win the tourney and become #1 in the FedEx Cup point standings. Following that winning birdie putt he lifted his index finger and pointed heavenward. During His acceptance he first acknowledged the Lord. Wow, now I’ll know his name. I’m glad I heard the speech because I saw no print record of it today in newspapers or on-line.

I think SFT is more than a part of Simpson’s golf game; it’s an integral part of his life’s journey.

(W.Simpson Picture from ESPN/Boston)

Summer’s End

9/5/11 After the blistering days of July and August, today’s 70ish temps are not only welcome but hopefully glimmers of fall temps to come. As Labor Day is the unofficial last day of summer, I’ve decided to celebrate with the childhood memory of blackberry cobbler and hand-cranked ice cream. Mother would use the last of the summer wild blackberries picked by us from thickets, along roadsides ----literally a “sticky” endeavor. If you’ve never picked, you haven’t experienced the joy of the stick from those thorny barbs which grow alongside those sweet berries. It makes the flavor of the cobbler all the sweeter. As S. Sifton states, “The taste is summer condensed and intensified.” (NYTimes, D7, 8/31/11)

Of course, we added homemade ice cream atop our steamy bowls of cobbler. It, too, was all the better for the cream was a family “labor.” From the going to Ellis ice plant, just a few streets east of the train depot, in the Alstheler and Payne Livestock truck (that wasn’t really a truck) to pick up our block of ice, brought out to the platform by a guy wielding those big tongs, to the chipping, with the wooden handle ice pick, of the ice for the ice-cream freezer (and a little for Mother’s iced tea, which the was best, especially with all those chips and slivers of ice) to the sitting on the steps of the latticed back porch awaiting our turn to crank, (Somehow the adults made is seem a privilege to “crank.”) it was an all day affair. But what a sweet, mouth-watering memory of a childhood Labor Day as the Adams family said good-by to summer at 2211.

To everything there is a season, 
and a time to every purpose under the heaven:… a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)

Sunday Sermonette

9/4/11 What great joy to have your daughter share her notes from today's Fellowship Memphis' sermon series, "Saving the Save: the Gospel to the Religious." (Kingdom Sculptors)
Her Matthew 13 marginalia emphasized the kingdom of heaven. She explained the "the Tares" and then shared "gospel footprints." She has been pondering Bryan Loritt's two questions. Are you leaving gospel footprints where you walk? If you left your neighborhood, would there be a gospel void? Good thought provoking questions for today's Christians.

Since dinner was in the making, we had to end our discussion much too soon but she told me the Lewis quote that she hopes to keep at the forefront of her thoughts this week.

I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else. (C.S. Lewis)

A sermonette with much for this Christian to ponder.

Porch Perspectives

9/2/11 Porches. What are they good for? Absolutely everything!!

Growing up, it seemed that all the houses on my block had porches. 2211 had two. The front porch was perfect for whiling away the hours in the 1950 era summertime as you kept cool and kept up with the goings on of the neighbors.

We also had an L–shaped back porch that was latticed. It was a shelter from the elements. On rainy days Mother hung her “delicates” on the old wooden drying rack ad I played with my Terry Lee doll. It also had some rickety open shelves, one of which, housed our “exposed” house key which IF we ever locked our house (which I have no memory of every doing) we and our neighbors and everyone else could readily access. The steps of said porch were where I sat with Daddy as he taught me the intricacies of opening and eating sardines---those tins with the key on the side that took some ingenuity to get to roll open the can in order to partake of those oily little stinky fish inside. I don’t know how much I liked the sardines but I d remember liking the time with Daddy. He loved them.

It seems that I equate porches with relationships. Growing up they were gathering places for family and friends. Folks would often stop just to sit a spell if we were sitting on the front porch after dinner. Some of my favorite old pix are with my own family sitting in the metal porch furniture at Mother and Daddy’s for a quick Kodak moment. Probably because they take me back to simpler, slower, quieter times----times of relationships.

It seems to me that we could all use some porch sittin’ in our lives. Since our porch is nothing more than a small "one-step up" entry and the heat has me retreating to the coolness of the AC, I’ve decided to put two chairs out front under my birch tree. It seems like the neighborly thing to do.

I’ll let you know how it goes.

DANCERS

9/1/11 Can you clearly read the inscription on this "Hallmark" card? "In this world, there are DANCERS and there are critics." The inside reads, "Happy Birthday to one of the DANCERS."
Do you ever wonder how others would classify you? I do. When I received this card years ago from my friend Ellen, I was humbled. Humbled because I knew what a critical spirit resided within me and so did my family, especially my children. I think I rationalized that I needed to be realistic with them and too often I think it robbed them of the simple joy of being a child with big dreams and hopes----which I probably dashed with said realism.

So what does constitute a dancer? In my life "dancers" are defined by spirit, more than moves on a dance floor. I have many in my life and I aspire to be like them. I hope to introduce a few of them to my blogging world as I delineate just what makes them stand out in my life. The fact that I have seen two of them recently has all of this on my mind.

How 'bout you, reader? Are you a dancer? Or, do you justify criticism as you "rain on someone else's parade?" Psalm 149:3 speaks of "praising His name with dancing." I can only imagine the praise and delight that is lifted heavenward every time our steps/action are seen as a those of a "dancer" in someone's life.