Who are your friend(s)?

Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go. (Prov 22.24)

While pondering such words as these, it occurs that this blogger may fit the description.  Angry? Furious? Not really but bitter?  Whoa!

For a long time prayer life has included the request that two loved ones avoid bitterness.  It burdens this heart when bitterness is heard in their words. This morning, a revelation; the wicked One seeks to root such a seed in my heart.  

Recent conversation, if it could be called that, included "why did you do that?"  After responding, twice, to what was in this heart, the inquiry would not die.  Proverbs 26.20 is plain, Where no wood is, the fire goeth out... These words are burned into the very fiber of my being. Stated another way, "If you do not accept the premise of the inquiry or question, don't answer!" 

It could be concluded that the inquirer sought to really understand what I did, however, such inquirer wouldn't let up!  Romans 12.18 points out, If it be possible, AS MUCH as lieth within you, live peaceably with ALL men.  My only choice was to leave the conversation.  It left this heart with much grief because it was with such an loved one but nothing else was to be done.  I must wait the Lord's conclusion of the matter.  I understood to leave the conversation was to make the inquirer also feel bad but what else to do?

While angry and furious were probably not the emotions used in this last encounter, I did understand the will of the wicked One is to "separate, divide and conquer."  My response will be peaceable when next we encounter each other.  The real adversary is Satan, never forget that, dear readers.  On reflection, I also began to comprehend the real reason for the inquirers response. 

Based on the feelings this morning as compared to yesterday, I will

1. lay no (more) wood on the fire
2. attempt to live peaceably
3. keep any friendship at a distance until the inquirer settles down

Did it hurt? Yes. Does it leave me burdened? Yes. Will I trust in His Word, will and way? Yes.

Peace be with each reader of this blog.

Ps 57.7

Journal and Study

To follow up on the previous entry, I will say "next is Journalling."  The first entry in said journal was two weeks ago. Life has been semiactive.  Each day brings routine tasks as well as new tasks.  The job left over one year ago is just that, "left!" So thankful for this season of life.  However, as time and age slow my physical body a bit, my mind continues seeking the "next" task to remain occupied.  Stretching out and resting comes more often than before and I've learned to yield to it. 

My heart seeks Him, though the weak flesh struggles.  My heart longs for more time with family, especially the grandchild. In that, I've learned patience and waiting on His will to provide such opportunity.  In the meantime, my duty at church occupies.  I enjoy working on the website and FB page and keeping up with Mission Funds and Letters. Currently, I am involved in the completion of a new church directory.  Happy to have a part in the project.

My intention today is to study for the "Young Ladies Class," should that ever become a reality.  The Lord has impressed my spirit that life experiences coupled with scriptural background would benefit such a group.  I'm beginning to believe that it may be simply individuals that would profit from this effort rather than a group.  His will is always best. 

Thanks for stopping by.  Take care and have a blessed day.

Ps 57.7

What is next?

If this blogger were to answer the question above, the short answer would be, "it is Wednesday."  In our assembly we call it "prayer meeting."  We do pray before and after service and in between there is preaching.  

In the secular world Wednesday is referred to as "hump day."  Since, a public job is no longer part of the week, "What's next" is simply that.

Of course, there are daily routine tasks; getting dressed, making beds, making breakfast for myself and sometimes another. Sometimes a morning walk, which is refreshing and invigorating.  Then, there may be housework and/or yard work and then lunch.  Then, whatever I may be called on to do.   This afternoon I planned on simply meditating on thoughts/things of God and the heart.

Sitting still and being quiet is difficult after a lifetime of activity.  I always feel guilty when I'm this way. Scripture says, study to be quiet. (I Thes 4.11)  Once I indeed "studied" this thought and the truth is the Lord made us active beings so it requires study to sit still and be quiet.  Since blogging is an active task I will head back to my enclosed screened in porch and listen for that still small voice. (I Kings 19.12)

it's Sunday morning, again!

Thank you, Lord for another day to "live in Your world and breath Your air."  Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. (Ps 150.6) The old preacher said "touch your tummy, are you breathing? Then, you should be praising Him!"

As I wake up, wash my face, get my cup of coffee and put breakfast on, I come back to personal reflections of a blog began 19 years ago!  So many changes, so much life, so much God!  I can honestly report His promises are true, particularly, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. (Deu 31.6, Heb 13.5)

Another year older.  Maybe, a little wiser.  The recent birthday demonstrated, again, the truth above.  The loved ones and "anonymous" friends that remembered this old girl reminded me of the Lord's  faithfulness to His children.

Looking forward to this morning.  We had bible school yesterday and the children, as always, were wonderful.  I think I appreciate life more as I get older.  The hoary head (Pro 16.31) is blessed with so many truths that supply wisdom that getting older isn't the dread I once thought it to be.

Some have said, "see the glass 1/2 full instead of 1/2 empty."  From this believer's heart, I would say "it's full and running over!"  You may be in the midst of sorrows and trials but view the rainbow after the storm.  It's Sunday morning, again, get ready, go to your house of worship and praise Him!  

According to His Word, our prayer is that you will see, He will bless you and keep you and make His face shine on you...and give thee peace. (Num 6.24-26)

It's all true, promise! 

Fill your heart...

Dear Friends,

We all need words to live by, to inspire us and guide us. Words to give us courage. Words of comfort and of courage filled with wisdom and with love. We need "Words" from His Word and from other believers. 

So begins a series of such "word helps" from the poet of yester year called "Helen Steiner Rice," (HSR). It is my prayer and hope that one or many of these "word helps" will do just that for you.

HSR wrote a poem titled "Fill Your Heart With Thanksgiving." Many wonderfully encouraging words are rendered in this particular poem but the first words are my focus today;

"Take nothing for granted, for whenever you do
The 'joy of enjoying' is lessened for you-"

Further, the last stanza of this poem emphasizes; "For the JOY of ENJOYING and the FULLNESS of LIVING are found in the heart that is filled with THANKSGIVING." 

Scripture gives this sentiment in 1 Thessalonians 5.18 by stating In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. As a believer, we take this truth into the very fiber of our being because life can be so hard. As a moral person, one understands being grateful keeps the spirit mostly peaceful. Noting the illustration here:

• An empty heart is usually a dark heart. It is Full of negative, foreboding thoughts.
• A heart half full, sort of grateful, somewhat thankful for the very air that clears one's lungs, still maintains a grudge about how one thinks things "should be." 
• A full heart accepts the things that cannot be changed, changes the things that can be changed and acknowledges the wisdom to know the difference. The full heart has no room for negative thoughts and words.

We are also instructed in Ephesians 5.20 to give thanks for ALL things.  Further the book of Romans in 8.28, at least for the believer, directs that ALL things work together for good (specifically) to them that love God...

In a personal note, this bloggers heart struggles in the middle.  It seems things "should be this way or should've happened like this or that."  Thus clouding the mind, then the heart with a grudging attitude.  No help or peace thinking this way. 

Instead this blogger will pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide me and remind me that this is His way and it is always best.  

God bless and keep you...