Obedience after Seeking

Remembering Sunday's worship service changes

"GOD began something new this Sunday" said Pastor Bill.  Over the last two years while diligently yearning for Jesus's input from our Father in Heaven, Jesus led us to gathering the things He laid in our hearts.  His precious Guidance  spawned our stepping out obediently and renewing our oneness, joining our modern services to be one in His Fullness.

Praying we continue holding this memory 'dear in our hearts'.
Let's NOT forget 'seeking God's Spirit and guidance and then gathering His "nudgings''.
Blessings come 'after' obedience; staying in Him and His Word.

Today's YouVersion 'verse of the day' sums it up so appropriately.  Jesus said, "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”  John‬ ‭15:7‬ ‭

So, let's stand firm in who/what we seek first and foremost, as Dr. Burch closed our worship: "We don’t always know where we’re going, but we know who we are following—Jesus Christ, the Beginning, and the End. AMEN!"


John 8:31

"If you continue in my word, then you are truly Disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." Blessings,

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?

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?

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;

Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Refrain

Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow.

Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Lord Jesus, let nothing unholy remain,

Apply Thine own blood and extract ev’ry stain;

To get this blest cleansing, I all things forego—

Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Lord Jesus, look down from Thy throne in the skies,

And help me to make a complete sacrifice.

I give up myself, and whatever I know,

Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Lord Jesus, for this I most humbly entreat,

I wait, blessèd Lord, at Thy crucified feet.

By faith, for my cleansing, I see Thy blood flow,

Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Lord Jesus, Thou seest I patiently wait,

Come now, and within me a new heart create;

To those who have sought Thee, Thou never saidst “No,”

Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

The blessing by faith, I receive from above;

O glory! my soul is made perfect in love;

My prayer has prevailed, and this moment I know,

The blood is applied, I am whiter than snow.

7. If you had to leave the city you currently live in, what would you find the hardest to leave behind?  My prayer group

8. Insert your own random thought here:
If you'd like to memorize some scriptures, join us at Living Proof Ministries & Beth Moore #ssmt2015

John 8:31

"If you continue in my word, then you are truly Disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." Blessings,

Pain Thankingly Thursday

Thankful.  His Word says, "

"...always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ..."

Sitting here with my currently painful neck, I'm drawn to remember I should be giving thanks as well ....'not to waste my suffering.' 

(1 Peter 4:13 CEB)

Instead, rejoice as you share Christ’s suffering. You share his suffering now so you may also have overwhelming joy when his glory is revealed.

Resting in pain gives time to think on His words and realize my pain will not last or impact me anywhere close to Christ's. 

Join us as we join Rebecca Jo as she is hosting Thankful Thursday. 

 John 8:31

"If you continue in my word, then you are truly Disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." Blessings,

SATURDAY SCRIPTURES & LENT

Pondering His leading me to His Cross. 

Approaching Golgatha...

Are my words & actions marked by humility? 

Are my actions during Lent honoring Christ for His sacrifices...

or boasting in my actions for self purposes?

Galatians 5 says "One can thus find in Christ strength and comfort against all vice and bad habits. And they are called true Christians who incorporate the life and name of Christ into their own life."
Let none of us boast...

Martin Luther understood and said:
Christ's Passion must be dealt with not in words and a show, but in our lives and in truth. — reading NIV.

John 8:31  "If you continue in my word, then you are truly Disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."
Blessings,

HODGEPODGE'S FEBRUARY ADIEU

1. something I'll never forget about the age I am now: 55 and still alive! thankful for every year

2.A household chore I've never done:  Change the heater/air conditioning filters
 How have you managed that?  Hubs has never asked me to do it.  I DO know where/how though.

3. Nature shapes our personalities more than nurture? Inborn self is what it is but it certainly gets GREATLY tweaked along the way according to the amount and type of nurturing we receive/give.

4. Friday (February 28th) is 'Something on a Stick Day'...funny because Zoanna over at A Penchant for Pens recently sent me an idea for a question relating to this topic. My favorite food eaten on a stick is GRILLED/SKEWERED shrimp.

5. Which of your five senses do you treasure most, and why?  Impossible to answer this one; am thankful for each one and hope to never lose any of them.

6. The best music, theatre, or sporting venue I've been to? In 1996 my husband was one of the volunteers for the Summer Olympics here in Atlanta; I got to attend the 'practice' opening ceremonies at the new stadium...'nuff said.
7. It's the last week of the month...in five words or less bid adieu to your February. February brought birthday snow, thanks!

8. Insert your own random thought here. 
Hope this helps someone re-think their decisions regarding tattoos...

John 8:31 "If you continue in my word, then you are truly Disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."

Blessings,

FRAGS FRIDAY

Friday Frags

• Spent several days with my Mom in the backwoods of Alabama, where the parties are cows/horses gathering at the gate for their afternoon feedings
• Shopping for clothes is somewhat more complicated since her macular degeneration is taking a much bigger toll on her abilities
• Temperatures have continued to be in the ‘teens’ this week, which made for a very cold classroom at church for our Disciple I class…so, so thankful for my hubs lending us his basement space heater….Thank you, honey!
• My collegeGirl’s part-time work as an extra in multiple TV shows and movies here in ATL has been fun…she’s actually got face shots in several of the trailer commercials for this season…It’s rather intriguing seeing your child made up and on TV in many different character types
• Enjoyed a movie with my sweet friend on MLK Day…we saw THE BUTLER.  I was surprised to see so many familiar faces in that movie…well played, good music and accurately scripted, I think
• So happy my prayer partner’s daughter, Melissa, is home from her internship in Trujillo, Peru…It was tough on her mama not having her girl here over Christmas; but, oh the things she has learned, shared and taught while she was away from us.  She’s adapted to a much simpler way of life, now wanting to throw out most of her stuff saying she doesn’t need it…a little culture shock readjusting to America?  I think so….so proud of her!
• Bought us a 3 1/2 pound pork roast yesterday for .99/pound, WOOHOO!  Since there are only two of us in the house these days that much meat goes a long way.  Cut in in half, seared the halves; now one is in the crockpot with apples, carrots, potatoes, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon and water…the other half is in a simmering stew pot with French dip au jus…my house smells GLORIOUS as they cook.
• Praying for my friend who is in the early stages of menopause…her poor body can’t decide what it is doing…I hurt for her and pray her transition is SOON OVER and doesn’t LINGER. 

^{Galatians 6:9-10} Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Pray for someone you know today

Hodgepodge 159 UGH!

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 159….Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge.  Answering on my blog, soon to hop back to Joyce’s tomorrow to add my link to the party.

See you there!

1. It was decided on Sunday… the Denver Broncos will meet the Seattle Seahawks in this year's Superbowl 48. So when was the last time you bowled?  about 3 years ago…can’t do that anymore…my neck hurt for a week.
Do you like to bowl?   it’s ok
Are you any good? mediocre, at best
2.   Should sports stars be role models? My opinion will not influence it either way.  Those in places doing things others wish they were doing are always be ‘role models’…grass is greener kinda thing.
3. January is National Oatmeal month...are you a fan?  How do you like your oats?  I am a fan of oatmeal, wetter rather than drier, with honey/blueberries

4. What is one book on your reading list for 2014?  Don’t have one yet

5. What would you like your future self to say to your present self?  Ensure me these hot flashes will end…so tired of them; going on 5 years.

6. When scrolling through the TV guide, what is one movie title making you want to stop, grab the popcorn, and watch for a while?  Anything Harrison Ford

7. What are two style trends you hope never come back into fashion?  ‘pants on the ground’ and three-piece nylon suits

8.  My random thought:  I love watching the Australian Open when football has come down to its final days; but, I do so hate to hear all the grunting and moaning by some of the professional players. 
Didn’t their coaches ever stress to them ‘expending energy in that way takes AWAY from stamina and longevity on the court’?  Mine did.

Top Five by Decibel levels:

1. Maria Sharapova, 101 decibels Russian
2. Michelle Larcher De Brito, decibels unconfirmed Portuguese
3. Monica Seles, 93.2 decibels American
4. Serena Williams, 88.9 decibels American
5. Venus Williams, 85 decibels American

WAYWARD MOOSE INN…wayward we were

My husband’s family wanted to get away for Christmas this year…losing their mother in September left a big hole and the memories are every where in my sister-in-law’s home…so, off we went. 
Driving into the NC mountains to stay on top of one of them…at the Wayward Moose Inn and Guest House…



MAIN INN

Everyone had their own room and bathroom, yippee!

After moving luggage, food and
decorations into the house, we decorated the tree and various spots around the main Inn…we had the entire place to ourselves.  Then…it was time for our first GAME NIGHT…Taboo, explaining people, places or things without using specific words…it was fun!

CollegeGirl & Fitz-Mom

My room overlooked the valley in two directions…one set of windows to the East and one set to the West… awesome!

Fireplace In the Corner was FABULOUS

Our FIRST ‘touristy’ move was visiting Biltmore Estate…(the pictures on their website certainly beat mine) however I wanted to share a few because I have a very photographable collegGirl…isn’t she pretty beside the poinsettias?!

AWESOME Hot House

WAYWARD AS I took these shots ...before I knew there is supposed to be NO PICTURES inside the house...but, I didn't use flash, so I didn't break the biggest rule.

Entrance Hallway next to Atria

 

The reception area is always to prettily decorated at Christmas...what a beautiful atria.


ATRIA

I always love the view from the porch on the back of the house


Glorious View from Porch

WAYWARD AS WE HUDDLED while DRINKING HOT CHOCOLATE AND LATTES:  It was 19* while we were there; and even though my hormones were raging, I got cold!  Can you believe it?! 

So…I bought a felt hat I just LOVE!  I can wear it six different ways…here’s one way…I was standing in the Conservatory hot house with all the orchids…I can do a complete post on just the flowers I shot























WAYWARD WHILE STOPPING TO TAKE A SHOT...THIS IS what you see as you drive by the Estate. They had candlelight tours going on with more than 3,000 people parading through the house; so they wouldn’t allow us to drive down the front driveway…this is as close as we could get.

 Will post more WAYWARDNESS later…
Hope you had a blessed Christmas!

ChristmasIsComing Simple Woman’s Daybook

(Jumping in with Cindy)

My own version of the Simple Woman's Daybook for today:

Outside my window...
Cool day…highs in 48-50* range…clouds rolling in and rain is supposed to start tonight.

I’m thinking...
these cooler temperatures are awesome for me in my ‘eternal’ hot-flash state.  Everyone else is complaining it’s cold.

I am thankful for...
My husband handling the food lineup for Christmas week with his sister…they’re splitting the cooking/food responsibilities.

From the kitchen...
turkey cutlets wrapped in bacon, seared in balsamic vinegar; broccoli, cauliflower, carrots in cheese sauce, French rolls, tomato slices

I am reading...
Disciple 1, Week 15…Hope

I am creating...
table decorations for our Christmas dinner table … pics later

Around the house...
There are signs of Christmas: An un-decorated tree, a wreath on the door and a stocking on the garage door entrance and a blooming Christmas cactus.

On my MP3 player this week...
nothing

One of my favorite things...
Arizona Peach Tea … instant packets with Splenda included.  I don’t have to make a gallon at a time.

One of my least favorite things...
Mommies continuing to shop, ignoring or being impatient with their ‘obviously-tired, screaming’ children riding in shopping carts

A Simple Grace Note...
Look Ma, NO cavities…yeah!

My Simple Devotion:  Day 46 Daily Affirmations (grieving a recent loss of a friend lost much too soon)  Today’s word: BLISS  The dictionary notes BLISS as:   state of extreme happiness, ecstasy, or spiritual joy

It can be hard for to imagine your loved one in a state of such happiness. But, why not try it for today?   After all, it’s a comforting thought, isn’t it?   Of all the things you could consider as their experience after death, this is a nice one. 

If “bliss” is too strong, try “quiet contentment.” Rest assured, it’s not likely they are suffering the sorrows of grief you are.  Wouldn’t they have joy in knowing you’ve found some measure of comfort for yourself in thinking they are blissful?

So, just for today, try that thought on for size. If it “fits,” wear it – from this day forward; like a warm jacket on a windy day.

Quotation for the Day
"I can assure you those who have already passed have not only made it to the Other Side, but are in a state of bliss." ~ Sylvia Browne, Journal of Love & Healing

I read the above quote; but I needed something from God’s Word to give me a better confirmation.

Revelation 14:13 “Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.  Yes, says the Spirit, they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” (now THAT sounds like bliss)!

A Picture to Share:

Our prayer shawl ministry had a Christmas brunch this past Tuesday morning, so Zena and I had a chance to get a new picture

DIDN'T WE JUST DO A 'SELFIE' HODGEPODGE?

JOYCE,@,

 THIS ONE'S FOR YOU...

FUNERAL SELFIES...WHO'D A THUNK IT?



Blessings,

WEDNESDAY’S ‘STICKY’ HODGEPODGE

CLICK ON JOYCE’S BUTTON TO JOIN US ON THIS MEME 1. According to Oxford Dictionaries, the 2013 word of the year is 'selfie'. Your thoughts?     When did you last take a selfie?    Do you post them online somewhere?  Do you prefer to be in front of the camera or behind the lens?


2. ..sending out Christmas cards this year?   If so, are they ready to go?

If not, are you glad or sad about leaving that tradition behind?






3. Do you trust easily?








4. Pine-cinnamon-peppermint-vanilla (as in sugar cookie)...of those listed, which one is your favorite December scent?
…YOU HAVE TO TRY THESE



5. Did you do more talking or more listening yesterday? Was that by choice or necessity?








6. What's the last song that got stuck in your head? Sorry if it's back there now :  )








7. Which world explorer (in the whole history of the world) would you most like to have traveled with, and why?











8.  Insert your own random thought here.

THE TOP FIVE songs this week…Is it just me that thinks I see ‘scary’ as a major pattern?










BUT I like THIS much better: 

BEEN A LONG TIME COMING...

speaking of Thursday's Holiday...

 

 

           

 "After all, tomorrow is another day."