Category Archives: Eclectic Mix

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WITH SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: Pause and Consider no. 2

MORE THOUGHTS ABOUT LIFE

A COUPLE OF SUNDAYS AGO I went to a Trappist monastery in a neighboring county. I absorbed my first visit to the newly constructed, new-from-old church. My mind sorted while classifying what I was seeing, hearing, and considering. Phrases, tunes, chants, and homily all met my inner being in that quiet place of peace.  The pipe organ under the command of a monk played the old familiar tune to “Fairest Lord Jesus.” My thoughts took a wide berth that day.

A contemplative person likes to contemplate. (duh) That’s me. I contemplate all the time, all day long, even at night. I wish I could turn off the narrative. Well, actually, I do whenever I’m praying, talking, reading or watching a program. Pondering and wondering come naturally to me. Reading is a close second. I think it wonderful to have a mind that eagerly desires to think. You never know what it is going to produce.

CONTEMPLATION

LANGUAGE OF LOVE

WISDOM SPEAK
. Words that affirm, speak the language of love.
. Glances that communicate acceptance, speak the language of community.
. Actions that help others, speak the language of kindness.
. Gifts that enrich relationships, speak the language of connection.

 

GOSPEL IN MINIATURE

THE GOSPEL in one sentence–

“He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised for our justification.” Romans 4:25

 

LASTING IMPACT

I LOVE a book that leaves me pondering its deeper truths. My mind takes pleasure in thinking through the book’s message. It’s like unwrapping a gift, delighting in it, and then using it according to its intended purpose. Books have the ability to impact me for forever.

 

SAY WHAT?

HOW WE FEEL is important. What we KNOW is important. Which one is MOST important? Feelings can bend. What we know is where we find its true nature. Thought vs Feeling is a go-to exercise in problem solving. Feelings can mislead us. Ask yourself, what is true about this? There you have it.

 

TRUE TRUTH

TRUTH STANDS ALONE. One of God’s standards is truth. When lies proliferate around us and seemingly bury the idea of a one true truth, they still cannot change what is. Truth still stands whether its believed or not–even when its being impugned, mocked and assailed.

Nor do I wish the call of God to go unanswered. When God speaks, listen to Him. When God calls, answer Him. When God convicts, confess His name. When God approaches (in thought or word), bow the knee and worship. God is near, very near, and He knows your name and mine.

OPEN EYES, OPEN HEART

I AM CONVINCED that most people see only what they want to see when it comes to the spiritual. Until. Yes, until. Until they are willing, open, and responsive to the things of God. God calls, impresses, loves, welcomes. One can resist, refuse, deny. Only believe.

 

SPIRITUALLY AWARE

BE PROACTIVE in your private, spiritual life. When the Spirit speaks, heed it. Never discount the spiritual realm. Train your spiritual eye to know God’s Word. Train your spiritual ear to discern God’s direction. Train your spiritual heart to follow God’s truth.

Be encouraged.

Thanks be to God for His wisdom, grace, and truth.

 

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LIFE IS A CURIOSITY: Pause and Consider No. 1

CURIOUS THOUGHTS

LIFE IS FASCINATING. I was talking to my next door neighbor today. She turns one hundred on her next birthday and still lives alone. She’s sharp as a tack and up-to-date on world news…and the neighborhood gossip. She thinks we are entering dangerous times. Then she talked about her first husband, in WWII, then the Korean War. Then she spoke of her second husband in the Navy. Between them they had eleven children. She is concerned cuz she knows what danger looks like. She fears for our country. Next she said, “But what can you do? I look to Jesus every day to take care of me.”  She’s got that right. It is the best way to look forward.

GOD WATCHES OVER ME

I AM GLAD God watches over me. Sometimes I fail. Sometimes I miss the mark. Sometimes I come across different than I mean. Sometimes I fail those I love. I am a peacemaker at heart. I don’t want to disappoint or cause pain. Yet it happens. Then I can’t sleep. Like right now.

Long ago I learned to take it to the Lord in prayer. He is where I receive comfort. When I hurt, when I am fearful, when worries crowd in, I can’t handle them well on my own. I struggle. I need God. I need His wisdom. I cherish His grace. He gives me hope in the hard times.

HOW TO HELP
Q. What do you do for someone you know who is struggling?

A. You let them know that you care by doing something for them that shows you do care. …
The cashier asked if the flowers and card were for a celebration. I said, “They’re for someone who’s going through a hard time right now.” Yes, he nodded and said a kind comment.

LIFE’S VALUE
AM JUST HOME from a memorial service. Acknowledging a person’s life is a beautiful thing when they have lived their life well. Those who leave a lasting legacy in impactful ways are those whose lives intersect with and enrich others. Life is to be shared, enjoyed, and celebrated.

JOY OF THE LORD
ONE OF THE BEST things I’ve ever experienced is the joy of the Lord. I was singing with the Praise Team when an incredible joy overcame me. I grinned ear to ear and could barely contain my joy. I felt like light was beaming out of me. I wondered if anyone could tell. God be praised.

OVERCOMNG
MUCH IN LIFE takes a great deal of courage to get through. We have to dig deep to push through to the other side of our trouble. One thing we know, the sun will rise again. There is always hope. Christ said, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” He is the ultimate overcomer.

We can overcome even the most difficult of circumstances. Be of good cheer, you will overcome. God will make a way for you and your family. I’m asking God to make a way for you. Keep a smile in your heart. Be kind to yourself. Be grateful. This too shall pass. I’m praying for you.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9  KJV

Be heartened.