LET'S BE LIKEABLE

"There is no estimating the revival we could have in America if we were all less convinced that being unlikeable is a Christian virtue."




Beth Moore
Audacious  p.146
Broadman and Holman



As For Me

Beth is one Bible thumping lady, so she's definitely not asking us to compromise or dilute God's Word. But she does say, "Audacious is not obnoxious (p. 144)."

God, help me to be pleasant to be around and may that pleasantness whet appetites for Jesus,
Lonnie

HARVEY AND IRMA

God and I took a walk this morning. The sun shining on rippling waters brought healing to my heart.  I love it when He and I have conversation--even when it's not easy.

With Harvey devastating Texas, Irma is on her way to Florida. I keep praying that God will steer her away from people and buildings.

God, I beg for mercy; but let Your Hand be seen--whether it's judgment or mercy. And, may Your Hand not be missed.


It is possible to see both judgment and mercy. But, even though it's not missed, it may be denied. Don't become angry or discouraged when people deny My Hand. I'm working.


God, I also beg that Christians be wise in what they say; or that they would  refrain from speaking at all. Let them pull back their fingers of blame. We ALL need to repent.

Thank You For Your Unfailing Love, God,
Lonnie

DONE AND UNDONE

"For years I have prayed each morning, 'Help me, God, to do what you want me to do today.' Now I also pray for help leaving undone the things God wants left undone . . . Instead of clinging to my to-do list, I ask God to fill me with the sense of completeness I crave."




Jennifer Kirsch
The Upper Room/September 6, 2017   p. 12


Hoping He'll Ask Me To Leave The Dusting Undone . . .
Because Enjoying A Walk With Him or With A Friend Is More Important,
Lonnie

SOCIAL MEDIA AND MANURE 8-)

"We have the daily privilege to 'watch' people do what we want to do and seemingly be who we wish we could be.

"At first all the watching inspires and motivates . . . But after a while . . . the more exciting their lives look, the lamer we feel.

"Never mind that the adventures posted on social media are subject to the provocative spin of the poster. I'm saying our comparison fields have a lot of manure in them."  (Emphasis mine)




Beth Moore
Audacious   p.75
Broadman & Holman


Just Couldn't Pass This Up,
Lonnie

FORGIVENESS ISN'T TO EXCUSE

" Scholar Lewis Smedes explained that forgiveness isn't to excuse the one who hurt us; forgiveness means we are ready to be healed."




Patricia Raybon
OurDaily Bread   June 2017


As For Me

When someone hurts me, I create schemes to help them feel how painful their thoughtlessness was. There is NO healing in that.

I do better to remember Jesus' words: "Forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34 NIV)

Practicing,
Lonnie

SNEEZES

Isn't it fun? 

Isn't it funny?

Sneeze and complete strangers will say, "God Bless You."

Occasionally I will respond, "Oh, thank you; I'm collecting those."

But seriously, doesn't that kindness "bless" you? Caring between strangers? The very mention of the God we cherish?

Boy, It Does Me!
Lonnie

GENTLE HEALERS

"When we honestly ask ourselves which persons in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand."





Henri Nouwen
Out Of Solitude   p.38
Ave Maria Press   2004



As For Me

I think there was a time that I wanted solutions and cures. What I wanted was a quick fix.

I'm so grateful for the people who endured and forgave my self-pity and trusted that one day their gentle words and hugs would reach the pains of my heart.

Thank You,
Lonnie