Sometimes it comes upon us in an instant; not so much an absence of sound but an awareness of complete stillness. It is then incumbent upon us to enter into the bliss of that awareness. It is then that all else means little or nothing. It is then that for a few fleeting seconds we are transported to the realm of otherness…the bliss of stillness. Happy Saturday
This was the title of our Pastor’s sermon last Sunday. His closing remark was, “Let’s pray that we might be surprised by God once again. Amen.
I almost always close my morning devotion time with an added prayer that God will send me a pleasant surprise that day. Upon occasion the prayer is answered.
Recently, I wanted to give a friend a book I remembered reading a long time ago, “Become a Better You” by Joel Osteen, Pastor and author. My friend has enjoyed watching Joel’s TV ministry, and I knew the book would make her feel better about some problems she is facing at this time.
In the retirement residence where I live we often get book donations for our library. It is my pleasure to help arrange the books on shelves at these times.
Before I could get out to buy “Become a Better You” for my friend, it came my way via donation. You can imagine my surprise to find this book in my hands without having to take a step out of the building, or a penny out of my pocket.
Pastor Duncan’s sermon last Sunday reminded me of how much I love being surprised by God.
Happy Tuesday.
A retirement residence is now my new home, of choice. I’m enjoying the change of pace very much. The age range here is from sixty-three to one-hundred and one…a very interesting group of folks.
Due to Covid, we are masked except when in the dining room for meals. We also try to keep the social distancing rule. But you know what…there is much loneliness among the residents. Painful backs, knees, shoulders, among other ailments make it difficult for some to get around without the aid of walkers or wheelchairs.
From experience, I know that hugs are a great remedy for much of the above, and have started giving out a little hug here and there; fully masked with heads turned away, and in all cases, gratefully reciprocated.
There’s an old adage that you can’t do wrong by doing right, but in this case I’m not so sure, and have been expecting to be reprimanded, but it hasn’t happened yet.
Happy Saturday.
When God said a joyful heart (or laughing heart) is good medicine, I believe he was literal in his meaning. The medical world has verified that laughter releases endorphins, God’s natural painkillers, which are fifty to one hundred times more powerful than morphine. Don’t you love that? The God of the universe has said all along that a joyful heart is good medicine. God has given us a prescription. All we have to do is fill the prescription.
This little gem was written by Marilyn Meberg in a book titled, God Always Has a Plan B.
See Proverbs 17:22. Happy Sunday.
How often do we think of the meaning of that word “save”?
We use it to “save” money…
As an SOS message in times of distress…”save our ship” or “save our souls”…
A goalie stopping a puck from going into the net…”nice save!”
A dream I had Friday night reminded me of another meaning for that word. Someone in my dream asked me how they could be “saved”, and I automatically replied, “You have to go to church”. But when I woke up and thought about it I realized that that is not entirely true. All you have to do is read Romans 10:9 and follow through. It’s right there; an open invitation to all of us, and that truly is a nice save.
Happy Sunday.
Each day of our lives advice comes our way; some of it sound…some of it not so.
I may have blogged about this in the past, but believe it is sound enough to repeat.
“Each of us has to decide how much nonsense we can take in life and from whom we’re willing to take it. It depends of course on the situation and the people involved.” Vernon E. Jordan.
His mother offered this gem: “As you move ahead in life pass on your optimism and faith to the next generation.”
To me, that is some sound advice.
Happy Saturday.
Here is a scripture I learned many years ago which came my way again yesterday:
“…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land…” 2 Chronicles 7:14
Again, whether we believe or not, there is always something to think about.
Happy Sunday.
Whether it appears to be true, like it or not, here is something to remember:
“The eyes of the Lord your God are always on the land, from the beginning of the year to the end of it.” Deuteronomy 11:12
Happy New Year!
That is the question…but the continuation of the question is…happy. To be or not to be happy? This post is in answer to the question often posed to me, “Why are you always smiling?” Enough said. John 15:11 These things have I spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. Happy Sunday.
Each of us has as song or songs that stand out for us and we sometimes find ourselves replacing some words for others.
Here is such a song. When listening to, or singing this one, I replace “darling” with Jesus, and “the people” with Jesus. It gives the song a whole new meaning. Try it. Happy Sunday.
My Precious Life 