WOULD YOU WATCH?

Jesus . . . a friend, a son, your leader. Would you watch Him be crucified?

I pondered that when I read that 'some women attended the crucifixtion. How could they watch someone they love suffer such pain? Most others were there for some sick kind of entertainment. Could you stand 'that?'

But . . . BUT . . . for Jesus to look out and see faces of those who loved Him, rather than to be so alone, surrounded by enemies.

Count Me (painfully) In,
Lonnie

LIVE LIKE YOU'RE TERMINAL

"Live every day like you're terminal. 
Because you are.

 Live every day like your soul's eternal.
Because it is."



Ann Voskamp
The Broken Way  p.70
Zondervan  2016


No exceptions. None!

Just Sayin',
Lonnie

INCREASED HAPPINESS AND HEALTH WITHOUT DRUGS

"I would read later that those who perform 5 acts of giving over 6 weeks are happier than those who don't, that when you give, you get reduced stress hormone levels, lowered blood pressure, and increased endorphins, and acts of kindness reduce anxiety and strengthen the immune system. Five random acts of kindness in a week can increase happiness for up to 3 months later,"



Ann Voskamp
The Broken Way  p.73
Zondervan  2016


Sometimes Ann is so poetic, I feel like I'm walking through sludge; but oh the treasures if I persevere.

Pondering The Opportunities,
Lonnie


S

Leaving flowers at the doors of nursing home residents
Leaving a box of cookies on the hood of a police car
Pay for coffee for several folks in line behind you
Scattering one dollar bills around a dollar store . . . And watching kids find them
Gifting the tennis court with tennis balls
Tuck parking fees into envelopes and slide them under windshields

PRAYER THAT MAKES ME SMILE

"The man was throwing sticks into the water, and his delighted dog was fetching them. Not wanting to interrupt their time together, Tom prayed for them where he stood. 'I sent him the love and security of a coming Christ. I surrounded him with my prayer, twirled it round his arms, body, and neck. He picked up on it immediately and, surprised by sudden warmth, turned around  and waved at me, smiling joyously.'"





Sheila Walsh/Tom Davies
as related from Merlin the Magician and the Pacific Coast Highway
All That Really Matters  p.180
Waterbrook  2003

Are you challenged?
I am!

Because He Hears,
Lonnie

ONE OF GOD'S FAVORITE YEARS

" You may be very happy about having entered the world, or you may feel that your life is a crushing burden. But you should know this: God is very pleased that you exist. He 'knit you together in your mother's womb.' That year when you were born is one of His favorite years."



John Ortberg
When The Game Is Over, It All Goes Back In The Box  p. 171/nook
Zondervan 2007


It varies with the day doesn't it? But WHEREVER you and your heart are today, God loves you!

((You))  Cyber Hug To You,
Lonnie

DOING BUSINESS

"I have come to understand that helping someone and then expecting something in return is doing business, not showing God's love."




Will Pepper
The Upper Room   June 12, 2017/p. 54



Will didn't know if the man's need was genuine. Though Will wondered if he was being conned, he prayed silently and gave more than the man asked.

God,
Help us err on the side of love,
Lonnie

WRESTLING WITH HIS WORD

"A temptation when hearing Jesus' words is to be moved and inspired without wrestling with the ways His words demand change in our lives. Jesus knew that would be our tendency, and so He emphasizes that an emotional confession (Lord Lord) is of no value if we do not obey, if we do not let His words challenge the way we live, and what we believe."
(emphasis the author's)


Monica Brands
Our Daily Bread  June 2, 2017

Wrestling and Chaĺlenge -- two words I shy away from; but required in my walk with Jesus.

His Strength Perfected In My Weakness,
Lonnie