Monday Musings

Henri J.M. Nouwen

“Our lives as we live seem like lives that anticipate questions that never will be asked. It seems as if we are getting ourselves ready for the questions “How much did you earn during your lifetime?” or “How many friends did you make?”  or “How much progress did you make in your career?” or “How much influence did you have on people? Or How many conversions did you make?”

Were any of these to be the question Christ will ask when he comes again in glory, many of us could approach the judgment day with great confidence. But nobody is going to hear any of these questions. The question we all are going to face is the question we are least prepared for. It is: “What have you done for the least of mine?” As long as there are strangers; hungry, naked, and sick people; prisoners, refugees, and slaves; the people who are handicapped physically, mentally, or emotionally; people without work, a home or a piece of land, there will be that haunting question from the throne of judgment: “What have you done for the least of mine.”

When we see members in our communities who are living on the margin of life,  we see ministries opportunities. Thanking God for those who are already serving those most in need.  

Run to win.

Corinthians 1: 9: 24-27 (Message)

“You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I am running hard for the finish lime. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and them missing out myself. “

Charlie

Charlie is a comfort dog. Comfort pets are different than service or therapy dogs in their training. Charlie's handler said that he offers emotional support to those who have experienced a recent loss or change in their lives.When we suffer a loss there can be sweet consolation from our cats or our dogs.

While pets may offer some comfort, it cannot compare the comfort offered by God.  In 2 Corinthians 1:4, we find these words, "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others." I know that God is a comfort to those who trust in Him.

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Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

"Now your cooking with gas"

Did you do the origin of this phrase? According to one online site, the phrase become popular when gas cookers began to replace wood burners around 1915. It later became popular as a way to promote cooking with gas.  Find detail information about this phrase at this site, Now your cooking with gas.

At this site, you will find interesting information about the etymology of words and phrases.

Visiting with my daughter and son-in-law, I had the opportunity to use their gas range. 

one generation commends your works

Psalm 145
A psalm of praise Of David 

I will exalt you, my God the King;

I will praise your name for ever and ever.

Every day I will praise you

And extol your name for ever and ever.

Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise.

his greatness no one can fathom.

One generation commends your works to another;

they tell of your mighty acts.

They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty –

I will mediate on your wonderful works.

They tell of the power of your awesome works –

And I will proclaim your great deeds.

They will celebrate your abundant goodness

And joyfully sing of your righteousness

The LORD is gracious and compassionate,

Slow to anger and rich in love.

The LORD is good to all;

He has compassion on all he has made.

All your works praise you, LORD;

your faithful people extol you.

They tell of the glory of your kingdom

And speak of your might,

So that all people may know of your mighty acts

and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom
and your dominion endures through all generations.

The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises
and faithful in all he does.
The LORD upholds all who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you,
and give you their food at the proper time.
You open your hand
and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and faithful in all he does.
The LORD is near to all who call on him
to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.
The LORD watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.

My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.
Let every creature praise his holy name
for ever and ever. 

Rudy

Rudy was born in Portland, Oregon on
November 8, 2006.

Look at Rudy's business card

Rudy is a Pomeranian and a Certified Therapy Dog. I met Rudy and her handler/owner at a local hospital. 
Over the years, I have worked to be respectful to the owners of therapy or comfort dogs. Here are some guidelines that might be helpful when you encounter a service dog when they are working.

1. Speak to the person first. Do distract or make noises to the dog.
2. Do not touch the dog without asking or receiving permission 
3. Do not offer food or treats to dog.
4. Do not ask personal questions.
5. Don't be offended if the handler does not want to chat. *
*Source Service Dog Manners from the web

Special thanks for the owner for being so gracious in posing for this week's picture. 

Friendship Friday

Proverbs 27:9 states that a "...sweet friendship refreshes the soul" (msg). Yes indeed. These three friends truly refresh my soul. After I visit with them, I always leave feeling encouraged and refreshed. I hope you have friends who encourage you, laugh with you, pray with you and help you. While we are in the midst of a heat wave it is nice to remember this winter day in 2014. In the heat of the summer, be sure and drink water and stay cool. Did you notice the John Wesley bobblehead on the table?

Thank you

One of my friends has crafted the fine art creating unique thank you notes. Her timely notes are received soon after the event.  Her notes make me feel appreciated.

When an individuals fails to write a thank you note, it makes you feel like they were not grateful for the gift or the effort you displaying in thinking about them.

I think one of the characteristics that people of faith possess is a life of gratitude. At the top of the list, I find myself thanking God for the blessings of everyday life. As I grow older, I understand the fragility of life and health. I don’t take anything for granted. Since I don’t anything for granted, I attempt to offer thanks for everything.

Believers have a long list of scriptures that encourage us to be thankful.

In Psalm 100: 4 we read these words… “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.”

Again in Ephesians 5:20 we see this scripture,  “And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of the our Lord Jesus Christ."

I also I love this verse in Hebrews: 13:15, Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God proclaiming our allegiance to his name.

I love that Jesus offered a prayer of thanksgiving in  the gospel of Luke 10: 21.  Take a moment to read this chapter, it is worthy of your attention.

How to you express your thanks to God?

Monday Musing ... silence

" A meaningful 

silence

is always better 

than

meaningless words."

Unknown author

but we trust in the name of the LORD

Psalm 20
"May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
May we shout for joy over your victory
and lift up our banners in the name of our God.


May the LORD grant all your requests.

Now this I know:
The LORD gives victory to his anointed.
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
and with the victorious power of his right hand.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
They are brought to their knees and fall,
bue we rise up and stand firm.
LORD, give victory to the king!
Answer us when we call! "
Verses 1 - 9 (NIV)

Wild Critter Wednesday

A friend caught this cute critter in her porch. Adorable... but you must go outside.

Thirsty Tuesday

"I drifted into a summer-nap, under the hot shade of July, serenaded by a cicada lullaby, to drowsy dreams of distance thunder." Terri Guillements

What is better than an ice cold lemonade on a hot July afternoon? The opportunity to make you own ice cold beverage.  Megan know how to create inviting beverage bar.

Monday Musings ... models ...

What does it look like to be a Christian in today's culture? What are the hallmarks of our lives? Do Christians simply blend into the dominate culture? Do we have a long list of do's and don't?

In Russell Moore's book, Onward: Engaging the Culture Without Losing the Gospel poses a thoughtful approach to those of us who are considering how to make a difference in a culture that is often hostile to the teachings of the Bible.

"Let's model what happens to a culture when the kingdom interrupts us on our way to where we would go, if we were mapping this out on our own. Let's not merely advocate for causes; let's embody a kingdom. Let's not aspire to be a moral majority but a gospel community, one that doesn't exist for itself but for the larger mission of reaching the whole world with the whole gospel. That sort of kingdom-first cultural engagement drives us not inward , but onward."

Russell Moore is one of my favorite people who claims Mississippi as his home.

Shout for joy to God

Psalm 66
"Shout for joy to God, all the earth!
Sing the glory of his name;
make his praise glorious,
Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds!
So great is your power
that your enemies cringe before you.
All the earth bows down to you;
they sing praise to you;
they sings praises of your name.

Come and see what God has done,
his awesome deeds for mankind!
He turned the sea into dry land.
they passed through the waters on foot -
come, let us rejoice in him.
He rules forever by his power,
his eyes watch the nations -
let not the rebellious rise us against him.

Praise our God, all peoples,
let the sound of his praise be heard;
he has persevered our lives
and kept our feet from slipping
For You, God tested us;
you refined us like silver.

Verses 1 - 11

Princess Zoe

Princess Zoe is this week's pet. She is adorable in her patriotic outfit. Since it is July, I think she should continue wearing her red, white and blue this month. Yorkies put the letter "A" in the word adorable.
Capri ( Zoe's owner) keeps  Princess Zoe in the latest fashion trends for puppies. Speaking of fashion trends...
Capri (Tootie) looks gorgeous in her outfit. The best part... Tootie is beautiful inside and out. She is godly woman who inspires others to be their best in God.

Here is Capri ( Tootie). Do you see Princess Zoe on the right?