BEAUTIFUL MUSIC!

I know the instrumental music (keyboard/sax) I am listening to would make some of you roll your eyes and others leave the room--quickly; but it holds many dimensions of beauty for me.

In the wake of current racial tension, this music was suggested by a black man who frequents my workplace. 

I am loving the music! It brings life and joy to my heart. Via Pandora on my Nook, his recommendations have led me to other artists, many of them African American. I feel like my heart and eyes are opening to new friendships . . . new talent . . . new music . . . new worlds.


Thank You God,
Lonnie

OBEDIENCE DOESN'T ALWAYS HURT

I was headed toward a cheap cup of coffee with some reading time. I felt  God, like a GPS, "redirecting" me. More expensive coffee and too cool to sit outside? Doesn't make sense, but . . . Okay God. 

Coffee was 50% off and I'm sitting OUTSIDE under an umbrella with breezes whispering God's love.

God Knows Me (and you) Intimately,
Lonnie

"HOW" WERE YOU LOVING TODAY?

"Rather than asking our children how their day went and getting a one-word answer, we could pull out a couple spiritual virtues . . . How were you loving today? How were you joyful today? . . . peaceful? . . . patient? . . . kind? . . . good? . . . faithful, gentle . . . How did you show self-control?"




Lisa Barrickman
A Case For Kindness    p.42
Worthy Inspired   2017


As For Me

I think these are great conversation topics for adults.



Try Me, Please,
Lonnie

WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW THE WORDS

If, like most of us, you wouldn't know how to make your eternity in Heaven sure and secure here's a model prayer--a first step, if you will.

In reality, it's not about the "words;" it's about the sincerity of our hearts.
      
   Use this model if it reflects your heart and needs. Or use your own words.




"God in Heaven
I know I'm a sinner and I need your help. I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ is Your Son, that He died on the cross for my sins and God raised Him from the dead.

Jesus, right now I open my heart and invite You to come in. 

Make Yourself real to me.

Take control of my life. 

Keep me from evil and make me the person You want me to be.

Be my Lord and Savior."




Sinner is a dirty, ugly label but we ALL wear it.

If we could be good enough, Jesus died a painful death needlessly.

We CANNOT live the Christian life in our own strength. The Christian life is not easy. Yet, with each struggle, Jesus' power and PERSONAL love for us becomes more real--at times, even exciting.

HEAVEN
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE,
Lonnie

My husband was given a pamphlet in the park with this prayer. Author unknown.

EAVESDROPPING

"Eavesdrop started off literally: first it referred to the water that fell from the eaves of a house, then came to mean the ground where the water fell. Eventually, eavesdropper described someone who stood within the eavesdrop of a house to overhear a conversation inside."


merriam-webster.com/words-at-play



As For Me

Picture an older woman, with apron tied around her waist, and an ear tilted up to catch the argument coming from the neighbor's livingroom window.

Or if you remember "party lines," visualize someone covering the mouthpiece of the phone while listening to the "he said, I said" of a girl with an awful crush on the guy in her science class.

Eavesdropping is considered rude and invasive, but to the right, you will see my invitation to eavesdrop, as I enjoy conversations (of sorts) with authors possessing wisdom, talent, and lessons for my life.

Imagine Me Sticking To The Promised 50 Words,
Till then, I beg your forgiveness.

Lonnie

TWO FACES OF DELIVERANCE

"Paul saw God's hand of deliverance whether he looked back, around, or ahead."


As For Me

This excites me. Deliverance that's been; deliverance that's coming.


"God does not always deliver us immediately, nor in the same way. James was beheaded, yet Peter was delivered from prison."


As For Me

Eeeeoooh!


Just Sayin' . . . I Must Trust His Love,

Lonnie


Warren W. Wiersbe
Be Encouraged  p. 17/Nook
David C Cook  1982

ARE YOU BORN AGAIN?

I still smile. How could I not?

When my heart was broken, I began searching more seriously for God. I found a book, in a grocery store, written by Pat Boone, a handsome young singer of my era.

He shared how he'd accepted Jesus and how Jesus had turned his life around. Well! My life sure needed turned around.

I took a picnic lunch and my Bible, and parked myself by a stream. I prayed the salvation prayer suggested by Pat Boone.

From that time forward, every payday found me at the newly discovered Christian bookstore. The owner was so incredibly helpful--always going to the backroom to retrieve just the right book. I'm convinced he was praying.

One morning, I was spinning a rack of booklets looking for something on prayer.

"Are you born again?" he asked.

"I don't know," I said, "but that's a great way to put it."

And, indeed; it is!

Thank You, Jesus for keeping me these 40+ years,
Lonnie

SHE ASKED, "ARE YOU SAVED?"

A friend and I were visiting another friend in hospice . . . the last hours of her life. 

A woman stopped my friend in the hall.

 "Are you saved?"

How rude. How inappropriate. Couldn't she see we were grieving?

Well, in fact, she probably "didn't" see.

I've pondered that situation off and on. It seems so inappropriate to barge into such a tender time. But, the tender time was death and all about eternity. Maybe it was a most appropriate time . . .?

I've PREdetermined my answer, should I be asked,

 "Are you saved?"

With all sincerity, my response will be, 

"I am. Thank you for asking."

Lonnie

My similar experience tomorrow. 

WHAT YOU READ

"Stories analyze us if we pay attention to what attracts or repels us while reading or hearing the stories, and if we reflect on why that is so."



Josephine Ensign
Catching Homelessness: A Nurses Story Of Falling Through The Safety Net
She Writes Press   2016


As For Me

I am repelled by:

Violence
Lying
Child Abuse or Neglect
Hate
Poverty

I am attracted to:

Creativity
Inspiration: Overcoming Without Self-Pity
Beauty
Truth
Family
Inventors
Compassion
Laughter


The Lists Grows,
Lonnie

CONTROL OR TRUST?

"When God puts His children into the furnace, He keeps His hand on the thermostat and His eye on the thermometer ( 1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Peter 1:6-7)."


Warren W. Wiersbe
Be Encouraged   p.16/Nook
David C Cook   1982


As For Me

I'm thinking of controls, like dual control electric blankets. I don't have one but I get it!

Or how about backseat driving (from the front seat). "The only reason you're afraid is because you aren't in control." Uh, yes. That would be correct.

"Would you like help getting the sliver out?"

"No, thanks."

 Stopping the pain is easier when I'm in control.

Control or Trust? Don't think we can have both.

EverGrowing,
Lonnie

TAKE THE PAIN AWAY

"We must not think of comfort in terms of 'sympathy' because sympathy can weaken instead of strengthen us. God does not pat us on the head and give us a piece of candy or toy to distract our attention from our troubles. No, he puts strength into our hearts so we can face trials & triumph over them."




Warren W. Wiersbe
Be Encouraged   p. 15/Nook
David C Cook   1982


As For Me

Whether giving or receiving comfort, I've always hoped it would take the pain away. With wrong expectations comes disappointment. And, disappointment often leads to doubt.

Wiersbe's study of Greek helps me be better prepared for my next painful situation. And better equipped to comfort others.


Comforted,
Lonnie

SEE JESUS IN ME

"Let the love of my God shine through me.

Let the beauty of Jesus men see.

Let the pattern of the Son be the one, the only one,

So that others may see Him in me."


This is a song we sang decades ago. As of yet, I've not found the author; but today it is my prayer. I fail day after day after day . . . and so, I'll keep praying.

Lonnie

NOT IN "OUR" BAND

"I refused to allow an athiest to play in the church praise band. But my belief in God wasn't big enough.

"Fortunately his sister wss persistent, and I finally agreed to let him play. While playing with the praise team, the young man came to faith in Christ."

Kevin L. Thomas
The Upper Room  Volume 83  #3


As For Me: 

It doesn't make sense! But neither does spitting in a man's eyes to heal his blindness. (Mark 8:23)

Neither does filling jugs with water and thinking you'll get wine. But . . . Mary told the servants, "Whatever Jesus says, do it."
John 2:5

Tip-toeing Out Of My Comfort Zone,
Lonnie

IT LOOKS BAD, BUT . . .

"True, many nations have gathered together against you, calling for your blood, eager to gloat over your destruction. But they do not know the Lord's thoughts or understand his plan."


Micah 4:11 
New Living Translation (emphasis mine)

As For Me:

Micah, obviously, is not writing about the United States; but I'm encouraged. As God's people we, like Judah and Jerusalem, will undergo discipline for our sins. It will look, to our enemies, like they are winning.

But they do not understand God's plans.

God, help us to return to Your ways and cooperate with Your Plans,
Lonnie

CARING

"Caring for others honors Jesus love for us."

Mart Dehann
Our Daily Bread  Volume 62  #5


Lots of tears, these days, as a coworker/friend is spending her last days with us.

God, may my caring honor You,
Lonnie

SO DIFFERENT BUT STILL FRIENDS

" . . . the letters passed between them to indicate a remarkable authenticity. Ben didn't try to be religious to impress the great preacher. George didn't dial back his evangelistic impulses." (Ben Franklin/George  Whitefield)

Randy Petersen
The Printer And The Preacher  p.8
Nelson Books   2015

As For Me:

I am facinated by this relationship.

Do we (can we) exhibit such genuineness? Can we be every bit the Christian we are and allow others the freedom to be who they are? Can we, in the midst of that, be friends?

Wondering What That Looks Like For Me,
Lonnie

BIBLE PROPHECY--WHO'S IT FOR?

"When a prophet foretold the future, it was to awaken the people to their responsibilities in the present. Bible prophecy isn't entertainment for the curious; it's encouragement for the serious."

Warren W. Wiersbe
The Wiersbe Bible Commentary Old Testament   p. 1457
David C Cook    2007




AS FOR ME . . .

I suspect I more often consider prophecy from this perspective: #1 Will I have to suffer? #2 Should I be afraid?

Answers: #1 More than likely.
                  #2 No. If I've accepted Jesus as my Savior, ALL suffering is TEMPORARY.

He Loves Me And Goes With Me,
Lonnie

HURTING INSIDE

"He never treats those who hurt on the inside as less than those who hurt on the outside."


Ann Voskamp
The Broken Way   p. 21
Zondervan 2016


And . . . neither should we.

Lonnie