"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall be a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died - more than that, who was raised - who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
Romans 8: 31 - 35
There is something about the way an office space is decorated that may offer a calm atmosphere for each patient. This afternoon, I entered an office that offered a peaceful space. After getting lost trying to locate this office building. I needed a quiet place to calm down.
It was time for my regular dental cleaning. "There are hundreds of languages around the world, but a smile speaks them all." Working to keep a healthy smile.
"Dear Diamonds,
We both know who is
really a girl's best friend.
Yours sincerely,
Yarn"
Oftentimes when the world feels chaotic, we begin to feel as if it is somehow inappropriate to have joy. Have your joy. Joy is a form of radical self-care., Joy energizes us to take on the most difficult circumstances. When we have joy, especially in the midst of challenging times, we are saying to the world "I will define the current state of the world around me instead of it defining me." Today, regardless of what is happening, empowering yourself by embracing your joy.
A friend posted this quote on his Instagram page. It is from a high school classmate of his. I don't have his name. In the midst of our current world situation it seems appropriate. Do not postpone your joy.
"God is our refuge and strength
an ever-present help in
trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though
the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the
heart of the sea,
though its water roar and foam
and the mountains quake with
their surging. Selah
There is a river whose streams
make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most
High dwells.
God is within her, she will not
fall;
God will help her at break of
day.
Nations are in uproar kingdoms
fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth
melts.
The LORD Almighty is with us
The God of Jacob is our
fortress. Selah
Psalm 46 1 - 7
What do you do when you see a friend you have not seen in years? You simply pick up where you left off and begin a new conversation. Our friendship began years ago, when we took a year-long study meeting weekly to discuss the scriptures in the Gospel of John. We are accustomed to having deep conversations. So when you are able to connect for a few moments, you savor the moment.
I was at the park. My friend and her daughter were kayaking. It was a lovely evening.
"Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power outstretched arm. Nothing is to hard for you."
Jeremiah 32:17
Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the LORD all the earth.
Sing to the LORD, praise his name;
proclaim hia salvation day after
day
Declare his glory among the
nations,
his marvelous deeds among all
peoples.
For great is the LORD and most
worthy of praise
he is to be feared above all
gods
For all the gods of the nations are
idols,
but the LORD made the heavens,
Splendor and majesty are before
him;
strength and glory are in his
sanctuary.
Psalm 96: 1-6
Today marks the ending of Sukkot, Holiday of Shelters. Until this evening, I was not familiar with the history or meaning of this holiday. Briefly, it is an agriculture festival that is commemoration of the Israelites leaving slavery in Egypt. While they wandered in wilderness after leaving Egypt the entire community lived in shelters .
This year's celebration began on September 29 and ended tonight October 6.
This evening we dined in a temporary shelter.
What a blessing to learn more about this important holiday.
Decades ago, I remember standing in a line to for my lunch. I vaguely remember the trays, tables, and the return trays. I have such fond memories of school lunches.
Last Friday, hubby and I enjoyed lunch at this renovated school cafeteria.. As I look at the picture, I can visualize students talking and laughing over lunch. We arrived early. As we left more customers were beginning to arrive for their lunch.
Next week, I will begin volunteering at a school, where I will be match with one student.
"In the entire circle of the year were are no days so delightful as those of a fine October, when the trees are bare to the mild heavens, and the red leaves bestrew the road, and you can feel the breath of winter, morning and evening - no days so calm, so tenderly solemn , and with such a reverent meekness in the air. " Alexander Smith
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
