Saturday's Snippet

NOTE:  This morning, I re-read some of my past blog posts and, after reading this particular one I wrote back in April, decided to copy and paste it for today. It blessed my soul, and I hope it will be the spoonful of tonic that you need for today!!

Psalm 71:12

 O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.

Good morning, family and friends!

Some time in the night or wee hours of this morning, I dreamed that I was in a large church and they were performing a drama entitled, "God Came Near." When I awoke, the words were still on my mind so I decided that's what today's spoonful would be about. I truly love when inspiration hits early!!

Quite a few years ago, Max Lucado wrote a book entitled, God Came Near, and it became one of my favorites. Although I don't recall all of its contents, the author wrote beautifully about God coming near at the time of Jesus' birth. I am continually in awe of the way that God chose to come near; robing Himself and living among common man. 

I am also amazed at how many times the Psalmist David pleaded with God to "be not far from me". David had such a relationship with God that it was common for him to ask the Almighty to stay close to him. David realized his need of God's help. While some were trusting in horses and chariots, his choice was the God that made the horses, and gave knowledge on how to make chariots. 

My heart is overwhelmed this morning that the God of glory, Creator of all things, stays close to me, a mere mortal. He is as close as the mention of His sweet name. On good days and bad days, He lingers. Even now, He is my guest as I write these words about Him. I feel Him looking over my shoulder and smiling. Oh, how precious it is that God came near, and God stays near.

Gordon Jensen wrote this song some time back, but it seems to be fitting for today:

Whisper Jesus

I love You, Jesus

Heaven's peace will flood your soul

Whisper Jesus

I love You, Jesus

Heaven's peace will flood your soul

Trusting your *Thursday is exceptionally blessed by the sweet presence of God!

Until tomorrow, Lord willing..........

*Trusting that your Saturday will be sweet with the Savior!!

Friday's Footnote

Philippians 4:18

But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

Good morning to all my family and friends!

This is another day we've been blessed to see, and I'm happy about it. God is good, faithful, and true. He loves us and cares for us, and He always hears our cries. He inhabits all our praise of Him.

On Wednesday, when my husband was still in surgery, I received a text from a friend (the wife of a minister), asking if I needed something. I texted back that I was fine, but she persisted in asking what I'd like to eat. Within a short time, she, her husband, and little girl came in the room, bringing a scrumptious plate lunch. Not only did the good food "hit the spot", but the care and concern they demonstrated by coming to the hospital warmed my spirit greatly.

Yesterday, our pastor and his wife came by, bringing many food items, a snowman candy tower, and a beautiful poinsettia. We persuaded them to come in and visit, which they did, and we enjoyed their company so very much. When they left, we felt so blessed - not because of the tangible things they brought, but because of the gift of their time and love.

Later in the evening, we called our young friends (the Boswells - the ones who visited us in the hospital) to see if they could come by. My husband wasn't feeling well during their hospital visit, and he wanted a hug from our little friend, their daughter, Emily. Sis. Boswell brought soup to us and, once again, the love of friends touched our hearts. 

Thinking back to the verse above, from what I have studied, Paul was imprisoned when he wrote the epistle to the Philippians. We do not know what things Epaphroditus brought to him from the church folks, but Paul wrote to them a letter of sincere thanks. According to Paul, their gifts were "an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God." No matter how big or small their package was, it touched Paul deeply.

Kindness is such an important part of a Christian's life. Sometimes in our busyness, we forget about someone who is hurting or, in our case, recovering from surgery. This time at home, nursing my husband, has taught me much, as I have witnessed the outpouring of love from texts, calls, and visits from friends both far and near. 

Whatever we do for someone will never go unnoticed by our Lord. I pray to be more giving, kinder, more loving in the future. Every gesture of love warms the heart, and truly aids in the recovery process.

Have a Fabulous Friday, Friends, serving and loving our Forever Faithful Father!!!

Until tomorrow when, Lord willing, we're back again with another spoonful!

Thursday's Thought

1 Thessalonians 1:2

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;

Good morning, one and all!

The Good Lord has blessed us to see another day, and I'm glad! 

Yesterday, my husband had surgery, the first one since we married over forty-one years ago. It was quite an ordeal for him (and me), taking much longer than we anticipated. In the end, we were at the hospital from 5:00 AM until after 7:00 PM, all because of health issues. 

Overall, the surgery was successful and hubby is on the mend. What stood out to me through all of this was (and still is) the texts, phone calls, and visits from our family and friends. In all of the texts, the words, "We're praying for both of you...." stood out to me; they were my lifeline yesterday. We were not alone for God was with us, and His people were mentioning our names in prayer.

I know of two friends who were in the hospital in other cities at the same time. I have heard of at least five others who desperately need miracles in their bodies. Then, I received news of a friend who was in an area where shooters were on the loose, and at least 14 were dead. Prayer was needed for more than just us yesterday!!! 

My definition of prayer is someone caring enough about you to talk to God about you. I thank God for those who called, texted, and the sweet friends who came by and brought me a meal. And, while we were in need of prayer, I still prayed for my friends who seemed to be in worse shape than my husband. We need each other, and we need to be sensitive to the needs around us, praying for each other.

I have loved this song for a very long time, and I want to share it with all of you today:

Someone Is Praying for You

by Lanny Wolfe

Verse One

When it seems that you prayed

'Til your strength was all gone

And your tears fall like raindrops

All the day long

Jesus cares and He knows

Just how much you can bear

He'll speak your name to someone in prayer

Chorus 

Someone is praying for you

Someone is praying for you

When it seems you're all alone

And your heart would break in two

Remember someone is praying for you

Verse Two

Have the clouds 'round you gathered

In the midst of a storm

Is your ship tossed and battered

Are you weary and worn

Don't lose hope, someone's praying

For you this very day

And peace be still is already on the way

Let's continue praying for one another today, remembering this verse:

Galatians 6:2

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Have a tremendous Thursday, and I hope to see you tomorrow!

Wednesday's Whisper

John 10:10

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Wonderful Wednesday, everybody!

It is quite early in the morning as I write today's blog post - 3:10 AM by my computer clock, so if something doesn't sound right as you're reading, or something isn't spelled correctly, please be merciful!! In less than 2 hours, we are due at the hospital for my husband to have outpatient surgery to repair a hernia. To say that we are not looking forward to this hopefully short hospital visit is an understatement, but, God is with us.

Which brings me to the subject of today's spoonful - a spoonful of life. Christ has come, and He came to bring life. But, not just LIFE but LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY!!! Have you ever noticed that when the Lord brings you something it is bigger than normal?? How very wonderful on this Wednesday to cherish the blessing of life that only Christ brings. We were dead in our trespasses and sins but He came..... in Him we have newness of life!

My desire is to live, not just naturally on Planet Earth, but to live spiritually and by that I mean to really LIVE - to be alive in Christ.  Serving Him. Loving Him. Honoring Him. Really living in Him, through Him, all because of Him.

May your Wednesday be alive with all that the Lord has for you. I wish I could think of a song right now to add to this blog post, but perhaps you can add your own. Remember, it is very EARLY here in Southaven, MS, so my melodic juices haven't started flowing yet. Perhaps they will wake up soon.

If you read this early, please pray for my husband that the surgery will be successful, and his recovery speedy.

God bless you all with a Wonderful Wednesday.... Wowed by God Almighty.... listen close, and you'll hear His whisper today!

Until tomorrow when, Lord willing, we meet again to share another spoonful!

Tuesday's Tidbit

Titus 3:3-7

³ For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

⁴ But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

⁵ Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

⁶ Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

⁷ That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Good morning, dearest family & friends!

I had the word kindness on my mind this morning and verse 4 from Titus 3 came to mind as well. When I read that verse, it seemed that the others needed to be included since they flowed together. We used to be disobedient, deceived, etc., but after God's kindness and love appeared.... oh, what a difference His kindness and love made in our lives!

Our works could not save us, but His works could and did. His mercy, the cleansing of our sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost - this made us new creatures in Him. Verse 6 tells us that God our Saviour poured all this on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour (I love the beautiful Oneness of God!!). 

And, now we are justified by His grace. When I was young, our pastor gave us a simple definition for justification.... Just as if I had not sinned. We are cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ, and our sins are washed away through baptism in His name. Our sins are washed away - it's just as if I had not sinned. They are cast forever into a sea of forgetfulness, never to be remembered again!

All of this we have because of the kindness and love of God! His love has made all the difference, bringing me from a life of sin and shame, and making me an heir of eternal life. Blessed be my God (and your God, too!).

This beautiful song just came to mind, so I shall include it for all of us:

Think About His Love

by Walt Harrah

Think about His love

Think about His goodness

Think about His grace that's brought us through

For as high as the heavens above

So great is the measure of our Father's love

Great is the measure of our Father's love

How could I forget His love?

How could I forget His mercy?

He satisfies. He satisfies. He satisfies my desire.

Even when I strayed away

His love has sought me out and found me

Those times I've been 

Away from Him

His loving arms have held me fast

Have a terrific Tuesday, as we begin this new month of December, thinking of our Father's kindness and love! Lord willing, I'll see you tomorrow for another spoonful.

Monday's Moment

Isaiah 43:1-2

1 But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

² When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Good morning - Marvelous Monday Morning - to all of you!

What a great Sunday has just passed, and also for me, what a wonderful week has passed being in Illinois with my youngest brother, his family, and our parents. We saw many friends we hadn't seen in awhile; we've eaten "high on the hog" as my Dad used to say. To summarize - we've enjoyed life!

That brings me to this last blog post about thankfulness on this last day of November, with today's spoonful being dedicated to the journey of life. I'm glad for the privilege of walking with the Lord! The verses I chose to head up today's post are some of my favorites and I feel they sum up the Christian life.

First of all, the Lord is speaking - that we have been created by Him. He tells us not to fear. We are redeemed; called by His name; His possession. When (not if) you pass through waters, God will be there; and when those waters become rivers, we must remember they will NOT OVERFLOW us. When we walk through fiery trials, they may hurt but they won't destroy us! What great promises! Wherever we are, wherever we go, we know that we are not alone for the Almighty God is with us.

The journey of life takes us over low hills, high mountains, deep valleys, etc., but, if we can do our best to smell the roses along the way, and enjoy the scenery with its frequent detours, it will be much more bearable for us. Some parts of our journey may seem like endless dark tunnels but He is our light. Other times, we may seem that we are climbing up the rough side of the mountain, but our God is the maker and mover of mountains!

Soon, my husband and I will board another plane which will take us back to our MS home, and we pray for God to guide us safely there. He knows what is ahead for us. He knows the work that we have yet to do for Him. Our trust is in Him as we move into each new step or each new day in this journey of life.

A dear lady that attended church with us in MS, who has now gone on to her reward, loved singing this song. In her memory, I include it today:

Walk With Me, Lord

(author unknown)

Walk with me, Lord

Walk with me

Walk with me, Lord

Walk with me

While I'm on this tedious journey

I want you, Jesus, to walk with me

Be my friend, Lord

Be my friend

Be my friend, Lord

Be my friend

While I'm on this tedious journey

I want You, Jesus, to be my friend

Hold my hand, Lord

Hold my hand

Hold my hand, Lord

Hold my hand

While I'm on this tedious journey

I want You, Jesus, to hold my hand

God bless you, my faithful readers, as you journey with the Lord today. Treasure each step that you take with Him by your side.

Lord willing, I'll see you tomorrow, as we begin another month of spoonfuls of tonic!

Sunday's Specialty

Psalm 34:7

The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

Good morning, and a Special Sunday to you all!

Well, this is our last Sunday of November and all I can say is that time sure is passing swiftly! As I was pondering what to write about today as there is much to be thankful for, I decided to write about God's blessing of protection. The verse from Psalm 34 has been a favorite one of mine for quite some time now. God is watching over us, and for this I am most grateful.

Each time we get in our car to go somewhere, we do our best to pray for protection. Whenever we are taking long trips whether by car, motor home, or plane, we ask the Lord to watch over us, and take us to our destination safely. Upon arrival, I often breathe a heartfelt, "Thank You, Lord, for a safe trip." 

There are many Bible stories of how God watched over His people, and many stories have been shared during my life time relating to God's hand of protection. We truly need the shelter of His arms in today's disturbing times. 

A sweet little song that I learned on the way to a summer camp many years ago comes to mind, and I just think I'll close today's blog post with it:

All night, all day

Angels watching over me, my Lord

All night, all day

Angels watching over me

Let's not take one trip without praying for protection. When we arrive safely, let's show God how grateful we are that He allowed us a safe journey.

God bless you all with a special and safe Sunday... and, as always, if He's willing, I'll see you again tomorrow with another spoonful!