“If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
With all the strife in the world today, the least we can do is to live in peace with ourselves, our neighbors, our families. And if we see someone in need, reach out a helping hand. Heaven knows, regardless of how bad things seem to be for us, it never is hard to find someone who is worse off than we are.
He complained about Having no shoes for his feet Others had no feet
Be contented with the little things. They really aren’t so little after all!
Philippians 4:11-13
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
These photos were sent to me by Daughter #2 in Maryland. That tornado and car pile-up were about 8 miles from her home. She is thanking God for the fact that the strong winds she had at her house didn’t knock down trees or create a power outage.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Pray with Me
God Almighty, I honor and praise You for the works of Your hands, for the beauty of the earth, for the love You have for Your people and for the animals. I ask you now to protect those who are ravaged by tornadoes and floods, fires, and hurricanes, wars and injustices. Help us to know and trust that You are with us and You hear and answer the fervent prayers of Your people.
Save us, Lord. Bring peace. Bring safety. Bring rain to those who need it and sunshine to those who need freedom from flooding.
Help us find contentment in Your care and promises.
Amen
Jan’s black eye fading
Find contentment in little blessings (some of them are not so little):
my black & blue eyes are healing
the bump on my forehead is decreasing
our smoky valley has cleared a little (we can see the mountains again)
the firefighters are diligently working to contain the wildfires
my grandson, Chris, made it safely to Colombia (that’s him & his girlfriend, Natalia’s picture behind me there)
so far our granddaughter’s house in South Lake Tahoe has not caught fire – and they are safely evacuated to stay with their other grandparents in southern CA
our son & his wife’s house is safe from the fires (and they are graciously housing a family who were evacuated from theirs)
my husband’s doctor has okayed his fishing trip to Alaska (he leaves next Monday) – in spite of some health scares this week – he is better :o)
you came to visit my blog and share the message of contentment in your life (in spite of challenges) – I look forward to your comments <3
Today’s topic was chosen before I read Caralyn’s post today. After seeing what she shared yesterday, I decided I cannot say anything on this topic that would be more meaningful than what she wrote. So, I am reposting her message for you here.
One of the most special things in my life, is the fact that my best friend since literally birth, is my neighbor in NYC.
Truly. Neighbors. Our buildings are 157 steps apart, and I couldn’t be luckier to have my true blue — someone who has been with me through thick and thin, the most supportive, loving friend right there — it is one of my life’s greatest blessings.
Anywho – I was over at her apartment last weekend for a movie night. We ordered Chinese food, drank wine, it was truly like we were a scene out of Friends.
We watched The Last Five Years. A very obscure movie musical that, truly, only the “buffiest” of musical theater buffs know about.
But anyway — there was a line in the movie that literally made me stop and say…WOW.
Has that ever happened to you? Like something is just such a truth bomb that it literally stops you in your tracks?
Before I get to the big one liner, a little background about the movie: it’s about a couple’s marriage that falls apart. How uplifting, right?
But it’s scenes from when they first met, all the way through when the man leaves her, told in an alternating fashion from their different perspectives, him: starting from beginning to the end, her: from the end to the beginning….if that makes any sense at all.
But there was a line in his note to her, telling her that he was leaving…and he said, “I could never rescue you.”
And, I mean – wow, not only did that hit like a sack of bricks to the heart, but when I heard, I immediately thought – truer words have never been spoken.
This — this is exactly why I was single for so dang long. This is exactly why only now, have I embraced and welcomed love into my life: because I was not in a whole state, where I could bring someone into my life.
I was not yet at a place where I could welcome someone into my life as a woman who loved herself, had forgiven herself from the anorexia in her past, and freed herself from that shame.
And now — sitting here in an amazing relationship with an incredible man, I can easily say that the most beautiful thing in life, is to love and be loved in return. For so long, I feared doing just that, keeping people at arms length, not opening my heart, because I believed that my past made me unworthy of love. But friends, that is the biggest lie and bunch of malarkey that was keeping me from living fully alive. And though that makes me so sad to think about the abundant life I missed out on, I know that God was in control all along, and allowing things to unfold and bloom in the perfect timing.
Recovery is a long and winding road, and long after you put the weight on, you still wrestle with that inner voice shouting that you’re you’re not enough, you’re too broken, you’re unlovable and full of shame. I thank God everyday for drowning out those lies with His truth. Because that is the only way I fully healed: Him. . The fact is: no one can rescue you. No one can love you enough to get better. No one can do it for you, or want it for you: You have have rescue yourself. Or rather — you and Jesus – together – have to rescue yourself. But you can’t expect your partner to save you: that’s not fair to them, not fair to you. And that’s why it took me so long to get to the beautiful place I’m in today: because I had to do the work. I had to go through that long, arduous, and difficult process of believing that I was worth loving.
And the crazy thing is: it turns out that LOVE reaffirms all the healing truths God was whispering to me all along: truths that I was precious in His sight, that I was forgiven, that my life has value, but more than that: I was loved beyond my wildest dreams.
Love is truly the last step to a full recovery. It is the key that unlocks the freedom to live fully alive — the life of abundance that God created us for.
And it makes sense too, because God is love. And His love sets us free.
And, now – living in that freedom, I can safely say it is the most beautiful thing in the world. And dare I say, what we were created for.
So — The Last Five Years — just goes to show that God can speak to you even in the most obscure ways: reminding us of His love, and the beautiful journey He’s brought us through, and helped us overcome.
Maybe this is super cheesy, and yeah, it probably is. 😉 But reflecting on all this, just makes me feel super grateful for this man who makes my heart feel safe, seen and loved. I might not need rescuing, but it is a beautiful thing to have a partner who loves and supports you just the way you are.
What’s a movie quote or song lyric that has stuck with you?
“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5
So, since Caralyn has reminded us that “Life is vulnerability,” and “Love is truly the last step to a full recovery,” help me embrace these bruises and love the changing colors, ok?? Love your troubles away! Are they on their way to full recovery?
EMBRACE LOVE
Believe it or not, it is getting better!
I dressed in yellow to match the yellow hew of the bruises yesterday (I’ve always loved the cheerfulness of yellow) and by this morning, the yellow is accentuated… maybe chartreuse is the color for this beautiful, sunny, blue-sky Saturday. ADD A LITTLE GREEN AND BLUE TO THE YELLOW.
Don’t you love it?
Now, there’s a face only a mother could love!
Caralyn wrote, “it is a beautiful thing to have a partner who loves and supports you just the way you are.”
And I couldn’t agree more. I am certainly grateful for my partner of nearly 60 years who told me I was looking better this morning! Oh my… better than what? Love me just the way I am??
Life can feel downright discouraging. Life can feel out of control. The world is burning up here in the western USA And life is tenuous at best In places like Afghanistan and Haiti.
Flames are uncontrolled Smoke fills Madison Valley Bless firefighters
As the red sun rose through the smoke-filled, sad, gray sky It cleared a little
Air quality sad My response is funky mood Looking for more rain
Sad Afghanistan The loss of life and freedom Brutalization
People desperate To leave Kabul rapidly Not a chance of that
The Haiti earthquake It’s horrifying! to see Worse yet to live it
In the midst of this Devastation, what’s the word? It’s ENCOURAGEMENT
How can that be true? Where to find encouragement? Get out of this funk!
In tragedy’s midst Where can I find strength and hope? Circumvent sadness?
How can anything I do or say dent sorrow? Search within myself?
I live in such peace That I feel enormous guilt For prosperity.
What strength is in me To bring firefighters hope? To save Haitian lives?
People who have lost Their homes and their businesses Still have lives to live.
Can they get through this With their faith in God intact? Where’s encouragement?
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”
Find hope biblically Look for encouragement there All is not hopeless
Don’t abandon faith. Let it bolster your spirits Encourage others
In our Bible Study, I was encouraged with this definition of joy:
I asked my Bible Study friends, “In the midst of all this despair, what can we really DO to encourage others and to avoid the pitfalls of discouragement and despair?”
They responded with these suggestions, “Pray, Write, Block negativity (especially on Social media), Volunteer to help others, and PLAY!”
There’s no better way To trade your funk for pleasure Than to learn to play!
Take a look within – How do you avoid despair? Click below and share!
Doesn’t that word make you smile? PLAYFULNESS is underrated! We all need to have days when we determine it is the Word of the Day! Today was that day for me!
It’s a good day to embrace playfulness. It’s a beautiful blue-sky, no wind afternoon. Bob & I are headed to play with friends Who are so dear… and so much fun to play with!
Terry & Jim – really fun-filled friends!
The Bible reinforces the idea of playfulness:
“Moreover, it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil.”
Ecclesiastes 3:13
Eating Drinking and taking pleasure in the company of our “Hood”
Do you have friends who embrace playfulness?
I didn’t get this posted yesterday. I was having too much fun playing. So here we are another day…
Bob, TazE & I are headed out with friends on our ATV (Lucille – the redhead on which we have a “Ball”)
I wish you could come and enjoy this playfulness with us!
What kind of play is your favorite? What will you do to enjoy playfulness today?
Have you had a worry today? Something you have no control over? I have!
My daughter, DeAna, in Switzerland had surgery this morning. When I went to bed last night, I prayed to God.
“Take care of my girl, God. Be with the surgeon. Guide the anesthesiologist. Make the results perfect. Keep the whole process in Your capable hands!”
I set aside worry. I slept soundly after giving it to God. This morning DeDe sent me a text. “It all came out ok. I am fine!”
Praise God for answered prayers!
Do you turn your worries over to God in prayer? Then, do you remember to thank our Heavenly Father when the things and people you pray for turn out OK?
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Every day I sit in my rocker up in my sanctuary and I pray for my family and friends. I pray for my neighbors and my church friends, I pray for my pastor, my cousins who live in other states, my son and daughter and their families, and I pray for you, my Word Press friends.
If I have know specific needs (like DeAna’s surgery this morning), I will make my requests specific. But most of the time I just ask God, “Please take care of these beloved people. You know their needs. Be with them, Lord.”
Like a river cutting through rock. my prayers are tenacious. I know God hears my prayers. I know the Holy Spirit speaks to me and reminds me of the people I need to remember. I know God expects me to be persistent in prayer. I am inspired by the way Jesus prayed.
This painting of Jesus praying sits in front of me in my sanctuary. So, as I pray, I know Jesus intercedes for me. I know He hears and He models prayer for me.
Luke 6:12
“It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God.”
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Prayers for Yourself
Not all prayers are for others. Sometimes we need to pray for ourselves. We need to ask God to provide for our needs and we need to thank God for the way He provides.
Bob and I will celebrate our 60th anniversary next February. Every day I pray to God for Bob’s health and safety and I thank God for sending him into my life. Every day I spend with him as my partner is an answered prayer.
Every day our lives are blessed by the power of what love can do. Our love grows richer year after year. Are you so blessed, too?
We are grateful for the love we share and the way our friends and family love us in return.
Thank you, friends. Thank You, God… for answered prayer!!
We found a love only few ever find.
If life should end tomorrow, I’d leave this earth a millionaire – Because every day with you, my dear, Is a day of answered prayer.
I love you, BobbyBee.
What answered prayer is your “million dollar gift” my friends?
People’s homes are in danger. Firefighters’ lives are at risk. The habitats of birds and deer, chipmunks and moose, squirrels and rabbits are being devoured.
The smoke blows in. The sun is hidden. Gray engulfs our valley. I hate gray!
And yet, as I sit here looking out at the gray, praying for rain to douse the fires and chase the smoke away, I hear the birds chirping in the trees.
They see the same gray sky, smell the same smoke, feel the same humid, sultry air, and yet – they sing! They dance in the leaves. They fly free – knowing a rainbow sits beyond the gray.
It’s a beautiful evening for a maiden fly fishing adventure. Bob & Steve took Mary Grace out on the Madison.
First, she needed a rod, reel, tippet, and some flies. Steve Hundley made a box of ’em for her!Then he taught her how to tie one on.
Every flyfisherperson needs a good pair of boots. Thank you, Fran McNiell!!
Every fisherperson needs a license, too. Next year Mary Grace will be a resident and it won’t cost as much, we hope! It was $120 for non-residents this year. That was quite an increase!
Mary Grace watched carefully as Bob readied the boat.
Three happy fisher(wo)men!! Almost ready…
OK, boat’s in the water… now hop in!
The weather was warm (92 degrees) – but it will be cooler on the river.
I watched to be sure they were on their way… (They put in at 8 Mile Fishing access) Then I drove the pick up with trailer home.
Happy Fly Fishing, Mary Grace. I hope you have a great time!!
Stay tuned, friends. I’ll give you a report tomorrow to let you know how they did. I hope they are able to catch a few big ones. They will call when they are ready for me to get them at the “take out” in Ennis. Bob says, “The tug is the drug.”
