STEADFAST!

I love my steadfast bookmark! 

Not only for its  beauty and "steadfast reference" to its biblical context of being firm, unwavering and resolute in purpose, but for me it's the verse included that speaks to my heart. 

1 Corinthians 15:58 (NASB95)--Therefore, my beloved brethren be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your work is not in vain in the Lord.

The verse is so memorable to me because it was given to me in in 1997 in a gymnasium in Budapest, Hungary. Cots were spread out for us to sleep on until there until we could leave to travel to Kővágóörs, a village of 900 inhabitants. We would be at Cornerstone House, near Lake Balafon to teach English as a second language. 

Wide open showers were  provided in the gym but not a single shower curtain. Not to worry..... as a "just in case" gal I had packed a shower curtain. Plus, friend Pam had sent a large jar of peanut butter with me & I became everyone's friend because I had American peanut butter

A gentlemen helping us unload asked if this was a first time mission trip on a foreign field for anyone.  I raised my hand. That's when he gave me the note with the verse to encourage me to "keep on keeping on" in the work of the Lord!

That verse continues to speak to my heart.

SATURDAY SURPRISE!

Picnic in close-by Great Smoky Mountains National Park away from the weekend throngs.

A table all to ourselves with a tasty lunch I did not have to prepare!

Sharing Scripture --from a fave......Psalm 34. Glorifying the Lord and exalting His name together as chum WH had inspired us to do earlier this morn. Our focus was on verse 4 as I am seeking to "live" without fear with hubby's ongoing support.

We stopped by a floral wonderland in our "kin" BB & Poppy's yard! I took over 9 pix for my Seek collection! 

Her cosmos grabbed my heart! 

The BIG surprise was when hubby produced some Lowes' reward money and took me there to stock up on their "on-sale" flowers --total = $4.28! WOW! Some to share with neighbors who have continued to bless us and "keep me in the pink" day after day!

Surprise! Surprise!! We "ran-in" to (crossed paths with, not an accident) our daughter and son-in-law while gassing up to head home!

I thank we had moment after moment of tasting and seeing that God is good! (Psalm 34:8)

Maybe a better title for this entry would be a plural!

Saturday Surprises!!

ROAD REMINDERS!

ROAD REMINDERS......seen coming and going as we drive to our ridge of the mountain!

TRUST JESUS COMING!

TRUST JESUS GOING!

"Pithy with a Punch" at its best!

Trust Jesus---enough said!

LOOKING TO JESUS!

"Run the Race"! 

In this season of life, running isn't always an option! I would probably trip over my cane! Plus, endurance would probably be short-lived.

Bible Marginalia reminded me, "entrusting to Him is key to endurance."

Run the Race. Which race? Hebrews 12:1 gives the answer, "the one set before us."

Bible Marginalia again......Life of faith = long run...ie not a sprint or an easy run. 

Before discouragement set in, I read the answer to running the race in the life of faith. The all important phrase of Hebrews 12:2----looking to Jesus! 

Think focusing, trusting and relying on "Jesus, the name above all names" as the source of our life of faith. (Philippians 2:9)

Looking to Jesus at my life stage/age  needs more than a ck off the list quiet time.

It can require extended time.....often that includes being still, looking up and out the window that frames my prayer chair. Blue skies or rainy fog--the weather doesn't seem to matter.  

It's the condition of my heart that matters as I seek time with Him.

 

Know Peace. No Fear!

Looking to Jesus is soul affirming. 

YUMMY SNACKS WITH A CHRISTIAN OUTREACH!

Sometimes a message on a favorite snack can make it so much better!

(Especially when the product purchased in North Carolina was made near Memphis in Bartlett, TN and I once worked with a family member of the company!)

Be exalted, O Lord, in your own strength!

We will sing and praise your power. (Psalm 21:13, ESV)

Even their company motto "Life is so delicious" reflects the policy of this Christian company!

Delicious memories from 1979 forward!

KEEP SINGING TO THE LORD!

Sing to the LORD a new song. Psalm 40 tells us a new song can flow from divine grace. 

A Psalm also filled with steadfast love references motivating worship!

Think praises. An overflowing fountain. 

"Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Tune my  Heart to Sing Thy Grace".

Even an old familiar hymn can wash over us with renewed vigor (loud shouts, Psalm 33:3) when we add our personal praise lyrics to it.....or a lyre, a harp of 10 strings. (Psalm 33:2.)

Singing is worship! Keep singing even if others carry a tune better than you. (For me, it's sweet Pat, from Tampa who summers in the mountains & carries a beautiful tune as she sits beside me on the back row.) 

 

Singing from the heart is the key and delights the LORD!

Keep singing! Let the Lord's steadfast love be upon you! (Psalm 33:22)

TTT---SO IMPORTANT!

TTT........Trust the Truth!

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down and when your rise. (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)

AMEN!

"When our children are ignorant of the past, they will have no hope for the future. (Warren Wiersbe, p.391)

ROOTED IN LOVE!

Rooted in Love!

May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love an founded securely on love, (Ephesians 3:16-18, AMPC)

A former FEC pastor familiar with the writings and struggles of Anne Lamont, sometimes would quote her, without endorsing all she says. That's what I'm doing here.

• Love is a root system. (p. 8)
• Love is compassion. (p. 9)
• Love is what our soul is made of, and for. (p.10)
• Love is a piece of toast and a diamond. ((p. 10) Think either. (DAL)

Shared love, rooted in Christ, with other believers is a reflection of God's love. (John 13:34-35) Think fellowship. Genuine love for one another that mirrors Jesus' love. Being there for each other during hardships and struggles. Over a piece of toast or a cuppa tea. For a few minutes or an hour.

Love is an action!

Love is rooted in the Father's Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

FORWARD IN FAITH!

Go forward in Faith.

Remember, "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." (Dave Hawes)

Choose the way of faithfulness (Psalm 119:30)

DUSTING OT DEUTERONOMY TO FIND NT QUOTES!

As Mark describes Jesus' teaching about the greatest commandment, He includes Deuteronomy 6:5 which Matthew's account omitted---possibly because Matthew's readers would have understood this but Mark's Gentile readers probably would not. (Thomas Constable Mark notes, soniclight.com Mark's words indicate loving God completely.....in every way, with all aspects of one's being....beginning with heart as the control center and with strength including all the one's bodily powers. (Grassmick, p.164)

"Dust off" Deuterononomy 6:5 and find the source of Mark's words. 

I did.