my hands ... HIS GLORY : 2015

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Israel's Hope is my Hope.

This caught my Spirit this morning:
Sammy Rhodes, a campus minister (Reformed University Fellowship, Presbyterian Church/America) in South Carolina, TWEETED:
Culture: “Be yourself”
Jesus: “Find yourself in Me”

After reading this, I then started reading my devotion from the Old Testament prophet, Jeremiah when he cried out to God, concerned God wasnt there with Israel.

Jeremiah's calling out to God was desperate yet he continually restated faith, knowing in his heart God WAS there even IN the struggle.

Jer.14.8-9
"You who are the hope of Israel, its Savior in times of distress...You are among us, Lord , and we bear your name...!" (Bells & whistles... like the tweet said, "find yourself in me")

Dig further, my spirit prodded.

Sometimes do you have trouble being still? Yeah, me, too!

So I asked God to put me IN His Word.
Duh, this literally is possible. Putting my cries IN Jeremiah's outcry:

"You are my Hope, my Savior in my distress. ..you are with me, and I bear Your Name."

Then I questioned, "How do I bear God's name?"

Humanly speaking, bearing my family's name, I receive respect and love, through the actions &/or past actions of my mother, father, grandmother, grandfather. Their earthly legacy is such a blessing to me in so many ways. In an even greater way than my worldly family, God is MY eternal Namesake...my Creator, teacher, provider. (He knew me before I was born, and he counted every hair.)

His leading--making a straighter path for us, preveniently walking ahead of us and our circumstances shows His eternal love for His most-precious creation.

As He quietly goes before us, could He be mis-perceived as abandoning us in some moments?

Pondering those words over and over, God's providence comes in many forms...obvious and during worldly struggles that may not be so clear.

My heart belief is "He wants 'the Best' for us, His believers, and is eager for our learning how to take on His character and actions.

Seeking Him like Jeremiah and listening for His voice, conveyed through His Holy Spirit in the quiet puts the world on hold while we spend time with Him. (Which is why He sent Christ to reach us and have a personal relationship with Him.)

Yes, spending time in God's Living Word and listening for His voice is an active decision.

He hasn't abandoned; let's listen, watch, and wait. The recognition will come in His time and He will share His love in very creative answers.

Where did Jesus, our Hope, meet you today?

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Solomon's Knot (Crochet)

Finished a white wrap, now on to a lightweight grey one...such an easy 4-row repeat!

This yarn is not bulky/hot as it sits on my lap; so I'm extremely thankful for the lighter weight.

It's been a joy working on these while watching the NCAA men's college world series where Vandy's hanging tough...as well as Florida.

Go, SEC!

What are you working on this Summer?

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Snowy HodgePodge

Joining Joyce and the group...

1. When did someone last suggest you 'chill out'...Or, When did you last tell yourself to 'chill out'?

Lying on the chiropractor's massage table, I was reminding myself to breathe deeply and relax. Adjustments help but they also can cause me to be a little tense. Oxygen certainly helps me at those times.

2. What most recently caused my heart to melt? Seeing my 'Heavenside' girlfriend's daughter marry.
she used to talk to me about one day getting to see her baby marry.
Pancreatic cancer kills dreams...praying for a cure.

3. "An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered." G.K. Chesterton

When did you last experience either an adventure or an inconvenience?
How did you see it at first, as an adventure or an inconvenience? Does it feel the same in hindsight? While facilitating Bible classes the evil one tries to push me toward the thought of inconveniences. (There is a large amount of study and planning involved in reading for each class.)
However, praying for our class keeps me eager to see and hear God showing them something new about Him.
Knowing Him beats knowing knowledge any day.

4. A Wendy's Frosty, root beer in a frosty mug, or a frosted chocolate cupcake...of these three, which one is your favorite 'frosty' treat? I VOTE FOR A FROSTY. ..EVEN IN THE WINTER.

5. Would you say your life so far this year has been more like a circus or a symphony? Circus life for me...balancing a few balls in the air with classes, doctor appointments, and staying with my mom for a few days.
Time has certainly changed her daily activities; her inability to see clearly due to macular degeneration, is cumbersome and heartbreaking.
So, finding new ways to keep her 'seeing the bright side of life', even if it is in the dark is one, is a goal we as children must attempt
.
6. Since it's a 'snow day' here, what's your favorite song containing the word 'white'?

WHITER THAN SNOW
Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole;

I want Thee forever to live in my soul.

Break down every idol, cast out every foe;