Wednesday Weekend Recap

Yes, it is Wednesday, middle of the week already.

Cultural Weekend Recap

This past weekend we had a good, long-time friend spend the weekend with us

who enjoys things of culture so we filled her weekend with it.

 Friday night, we attended a concert of the Baylor A Capella Choir as they performed

Mozart Requiem op 9.

 

Saturday morning she and I had a delicious lunch at the Glenwood Tea Room with
Sunday School Friends.

Sharon, my friend and owner, instead of her usual afternoon High Tea, is now hosting a

"Downton Abby Tea" from 2-4 Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons.

She encourages the ladies to wear their hats and sip tea while watching

Downton Abby episodes.

Then on Saturday evening, we ate Italian before attending the

Shreveport Symphony to hear another Mozart Requiem

with special guest soloists and a joint choir from two local colleges.

It was wonderful!

On Sunday afternoon after worship and lunch with friends,

 we saw the Little Theater production of 

"To Kill a Mockingbird."

The acting was superb.

I would say, it was a very enjoyable time with our special friend,

and

a most enjoyable cultural weekend as well.

While You Wait, Seek!

It is Monday and I am again joining Joan in chronicling my Walk with God.

Join others as they share about

The Beauty in His Grip

Almost on a daily bases the Lord is reminding me that while I am to wait, I am also to SEEK!  To seek His face!

"To find Me and hear My voice, you must seek Me above all else!"

God's words to Solomon were,

"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray, and

SEEK My face ...."

2 Chronicles 7:14

So, what does it mean to "Seek His Face?" 

To "seek" means to desire and to search for.  This isn't just a casual request that God gives us.  To seek, sounds serious, don't you think?

God's Word is full of instructions and results of seeking.

Ps. 119:2b  "How blessed are those who seek Him with all their heart."  

Prov. 8:17:  "I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me." 

Is this not an amazing promise?

But, how do we truly seek Him diligently?

Jesus gave us the answer Himself!

Matt. 6:33-34

"But SEEK first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.  Therefore, (based on all I've said before) do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Paul wrote to the people in Colossae,

"If (Since) then you have been raised up with Christ, (or born again) keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."

But, Paul wasn't finished.  He continued in verse 2:

"Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth."

In other words, Paul is telling us that if we truly want to seek God, then we must love heavenly things, study them, let our heart be entirely engrossed by them.

It is hard to do that while we are holding on to and concentrating on the things around us, isn't it?

Adam Clarke, in his commentary of this verse said it this way:

"As you have received the doctrine of Christ and profess to be partakers of spiritual religion that promises spiritual and eternal things, seek those things and be prepared for enjoyment of them."

Colossians 3:12-17

Before we can seek God, we must have professed His Son, Jesus Christ, as our Lord and Savior.  It is as His

"Chosen, holy and beloved,"

that we are able to

Seek

Put On

Bear

Forgive

Love

I just love this part,  "and be prepared for enjoyment of them."

So God is telling me when I SEEK, I will FIND, and I will ENJOY not only the process but the benefits!

Because it does!

I Am Finding the Beauty in His "Waiting!"

This is a new link for me.  Sometimes we just need an opportunity for sharing what God is doing in our life at the time and trust that He will use it to bless someone else.  I am grateful for Joan providing this opportunity for us to share with one another.  I hope you will read what other women have also shared by clicking on the link below.

The Beauty in His Grip

Several months ago the bottom fell out for me.  I quite frankly don't recall feeling so hurt and rejected in just this way.  It is not a matter of placing blame on anyone or any one situation.  Whatever happened, for whatever reason, whether it be a culmination of many years and situations or just one, really isn't the issue.

The issue is my relationship with God today.

What does He want to do with me?

What does He desire to teach me?

What does He require of me?

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” Philippians 1:6.

Christ didn't just start working in my life; He has been working to form me into His image since I accepted Him as my Savior at age 7.  I have taken Him on a wild goose chase for sure.  But, He has never turned me loose, but given me opportunity after opportunity to grow.  Has it all been fun?  Absolutely not!

You see, I want to be in control!  There, I said it!  When situations aren't quite as I think they should be, then its an indication its my turn to get it all straightened out.

I've done this with one particular relationship for years.  When she didn't reach out, then I did.  When she didn't invite, then I invited myself.  When she was distant, I pulled her closer.  When she wasn't loving, then I was.  When she didn't call, then I called.  All this was done because that relationship was of utmost importance to me. Pure and simple, I needed it and wanted it and assumed she did too; therefore, I did everything I knew to do to try to make it survive.

It didn't work!

So, how does one deal with complete rejection by someone you would lay your life down for?

Well, let me tell you what God told me to do.

WAIT!

 How crazy is that?  Wait?  Wait for what?  Somebody needs to be doing something here, God!

So, you know what He did?

He destroyed - yes, as in DEATH - my desire to control that particular relationship.

Now, I had to deal with two deaths!  Friends, that's not a fun place to be.

How does one then deal with the death of a relationship and the death of desiring to keep it at all costs at the same time?

For me it was a time of extreme pain and a sense of complete disorientation.

Breathing was a challenge much less putting one foot in front of the other.

But, there was another step I had to take.  I had to fill the void and find out what God was doing.

 
The only place to go was His Word!

Every where I looked, He was telling me to keep my eyes on Him.  He told me things that I have known most of my life but now, I saw them through new eyes.  His eyes!

Every day was to be dedicated to Him.

He wants to guide my every step.

He is in control of all my happenings.

He is Holy!

He wants my attention.

He wants my relinquishing.

He wants my praise and gratitude.

Has anything changed yet?

No, not in the relationship, but that's alright, because He is changing me.

Do I still miss this precious person?  You bet I do!
Is my heart still broken?  You bet it is!

One day last week for instance, I thought I would sufficate.  My body ached and emotions were all over the place.

But, you know what He showed me?

(Jesus Calling, February 27)

"Keep your eyes on Me!  Waves of adversity are washing over you right now and you feel tempted to give up" (or in my case, to take back the reins of control because where I currently was, brought too much pain).

"As your circumstances consume more and more of your attention, you are losing sight of Me.  Yet I am with you always, holding you by your right hand.  I am fully aware of your situation, and I will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear."

Isn't that a beautiful promise of assurance?  To not let me give up or get ahead of Him!

As I've said, my biggest problem is trying to live beyond today.  To look ahead and try to figure it all out in advance.  God, just give me your schedule and I'll take it from here.

The lesson God is so patiently teaching me today is to let go.

To Wait!

Let Go and Let God!

To see Him in every step I take and if He isn't there, WAIT!

So, with David I will proclaim:

"Bless the Lord, O my soul;

And all that is within, bless His Holy name!

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

And forget not all His benefits (His dealings with me!)."

 Thank you Lord for your promise,

"that he who began a good work [in me] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” Philippians 1:6.

I don't know what the next steps are.  He does!

I don't know whether the relationship with this precious person will be restored.  He does!

"Cause me to hear thy loving-kindness in the morning; for in Thee do I trust:  Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul to Thee.  Teach me to do Thy will; for thou art my God."  Ps. 143:8, 10

I DON'T KNOW

 and

 THAT'S OK!

 HE DOES!

Fridays Unfolded: Nineteen Years Ago Today

I will be joining a new Friday party at

Fridays Unfolded

This is a party link that shares all things creative from the kitchen, decorating, and family from a Christian perspective.

I am excited about joining Allison and the other bloggers on Fridays.

Nineteen Years Ago Today!

 Our only grandson,

Jackson Marcus Day

was born on February 28, 1995.

 There has never been a dull moment since that special day when this six pound preemie came into our lives.

 His weight at that time should have been a good indication that he wouldn't always be a "little" boy.  

Jackson was our second grandchild, and just let me tell you, with this happy, always smiling bundle of joy also came a lot of love, fun and busyness.

From day one, he loved everything about being outdoors from fishing, hunting, riding his four-wheeler, to playing every kind of ball.

And he continued growing....

And growing.....

And growing....

And growing....

And growing....

Jackson is now an Offensive Lineman for the Western Michigan Broncos and they want him to keep growing.

But, Jackson Marcus will always be my special "little" boy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDSON!

I love you with all my heart and could not be more proud that you are allowing God to continue growing you into the man He desires you to be.

Bibby

So Much to Discuss for Wednesday Hodgepodge #164

Oh my, Joyce, you have again given me a lot to ponder for this #164 edition of

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What is something you'll never forget about the age you are right now?

That I am one year from being 70!  YIKES!!!
I hope you weren't looking for anything meaningful in this response.

2. What's a household chore you've never done? How have you managed that???

I really can't think of anything that I haven't done regarding inside chores.  Outside chores like power washing the house or painting, or doing carpentry repairs, then yes.  How did I manage that?  It's not my job!  Pure and simple!

3. Does nature shape our personalities more than nurture? Explain?

This is a toughie and a debate that has divided psychologists for generations.  To argue that nature shapes our personalities the most would negate the affect of all experiences and relationships one might have.  On the other hand to suggest that nurture is most influential could mean that we are born with a "clean slate," making us devoid of all inherited characteristics.  Therefore, I will venture to suggest that both are of equal importance in shaping our personalities.  To quote a noted psychologist, "Which is most important to a triangle, the width or the length?"

4. Friday (February 28th) is 'Something on a Stick Day'...funny because Zoanna over at A Penchant for Pens recently sent me an idea for a question relating to this topic. What's your favorite food eaten on a stick?

A chocolate fudgecicle

5. Which of your five senses do you treasure most, and why?

Sight.  I can't begin to imagine not seeing my children and grandchildren for the first time, or to melt when they smiled; not being able to see one of my granddaughters emerge from her mother's body; to not be able to look into the face of my sweet husband; to not see the silently shed tear from a hurting friend.  Yes, I would most miss my sight.  Lord, please don't let me take it granted.

6. What's the best music, theater, or sporting venue you've been to? What made it great?

As part of a trip to the Holy Land many years ago, we visited Amman, Jordan.  While there our guide took us to the ancient Roman Theater, built during the reign of Antonius Pius between 138-161 CE.  It was built into a hillside and could at one time seat 6,000 people.  There remains a partial third level which was called "The God's." The theater was oriented north in order to keep the sun off the spectators, and there was not a bad seat to be found.

We had the most wonderful experience there.  The group asked my Hubby to sing "How Great Thou Art" from the stage.    The sound carries perfectly all through the theater because of its steepness.  I will never forget hearing this wonderful hymn sung so beautifully in this ancient place.  It was a holy experience.

7. It's the last week of the month...in five words or less bid adieu to your February.

Couldn't you stay longer?

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

We missed the Olympics last night.  We had watched every night since the Opening Ceremony and now Sochi, as such, has ceased to exist.  I have enjoyed the personal stories, and seeing the triumphant faces and even those that went down in defeat.  The Olympics is an event that unites not only our country but the world for a few days.  And, as one commentator said, "The world gets smaller every four years!"

 

AND, no more
Downton Abbey!

I have to admit that I found the beginning of Season 4 to be very much a soap opera.  But, the finale was excellent and will again keep us on the edge of our seat awaiting its return next January.  What might happen between now and then is any body's guess.

Will Bates and Anna remain as happy as we last saw them?

 Will Harold succumb to the wiles of the fortune seeking Martha? Although I really kind of liked her.

 Which of Lady Mary's suitors will be the winner and at what costs?

 Will Lady Edith's plan to bring her daughter near by be in both their best interests?

 

 Oh and best of all, will Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes have a relationship after all these years?

Intrigue, Intrigue, Intrigue!

(pictures complimentary of Via)

Visible Monday: What I Wore

I am joining Not Dead Yet Style for

One of my favorite and basic outfits is black pants and a black top or shell.  I call it my uniform.  I find that this gives me freedom to dress up or down depending on the jacket or sweater and accessories I add.

Yesterday the weather was preparing us for the soon-coming spring by teasing us with a 70 degree sun shiny day.  I knew I would need a light wrap for church so I added a long loose-weave cardigan and my very favorite piece of jewelry.

 I love the way this elegant sweater drapes across the body and covers the back side.

The colors and design make this sweater so versatile.

Have I told you how much I love this necklace?  Maybe a few times!

If I were to have a signature piece, it would be this.  I am not normally a "Bling" person, but this piece speaks to me and makes me happy.

(Disclaimer:  Photos taken by Hubby with iPhone)

Thank you my sweet one for being so willing to help me.

Hodgepodging From the Biathlon to Titipu, China

Wednesday Hodgepodge #163

Such a fun list of questions today, Joyce.  Thank you again for giving us so much to think about.

1. What's the biggest change since your childhood in the way people think or act?

How much time do we have!  Ethics, or the lack thereof, I think is #1.  Basic in this is the lack of respect we have for others resulting in things such as the acceptance of abortion, homosexuality, amoral and deviant behavior, inappropriate public attire, living together before marriage, corruption by public officials, and the list goes on.........  Without moral ethics to guide us, we are a lost civilization.

2. The Olympic Biathlon involves cross country skiing broken up with either two or four rounds of target shooting. Which part of that would stress you out more? Or would you love them both equally?

Having to make the penalty run if I missed one or more of the targets.

3. February is National Canned Food Month...what is your most often purchased canned food item?  What was in the last can you opened?

Canned Beans - they make the most delicious soups, dips etc.

4. What river (anywhere in the world) would you most like to cruise?

The Blue Danube! 

I would also love to cruise, if it were possible, all the way down the Mighty Mississippi on the Mississippi Queen.

5. It's the middle of the night and you can't sleep...what do you do? Count sheep? Toss and turn? Watch television? Or do you get up and do something productive?

Rarely do anything productive, but I will reach for my iPhone or iPad and play a silly game or two until I get sleepy again.  I know they say never look at the little blue light, but that seems to get me sleepy again when nothing else does.

6. How important is keeping your cool?

Very!!!  I have both kept and not kept, and the keeping brings much more positive results.

7. I've got white stuff on the brain so why not run with it? White lie, wave the white flag, white knuckle it, white wash a situation, or white as a sheet...which phrase could most recently apply to your own life in some way?

White wash a situation.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

The Midwest got clobbered again this week with snow.  Son sent this picture of our two granddaughters standing in front of their house and a snow bank higher than their heads.

Aren't they just the prettiest things?  The family is looking forward to escaping to Florida during their up-coming Spring Break.  Good for them!

This past Saturday night Hubby and I were invited to attend the Shreveport Opera.

We don't normally attend the Opera as we much prefer the Symphony, but free tickets in the Platinum Section to see "The Mikado" by Gilbert & Sullivan, I think we can make an exception.

 It was a wonderful production and so funny.

BUT, this was my view most of the night when I wasn't bobbing from left to right in order to see.

A very large man obscured the whole middle of the stage from my view.  If I had actually paid for those tickets, I think I would have sat on his head and let those behind me figure out how to see over or around us both.

Other than that, it was a great night although I did feel sorry for all those well-heeled ladies in their full-length furs.  They looked lovely, but it just wasn't mink weather.  I suppose if one lives in the deep south and owns a fur coat, then one better squeeze in the wearing when and wherever one can.

Monday Musings

I know it is still winter, but in my part of the world today, it looks like SPRING!  We are really trying to not brag on our great weather while other parts of our country are still being buried in ice and snow.

Friendships Get Sweeter

It was 1969 and Hubby and I were visiting a church in northeast Louisiana "in view of a call."  Probably only you Baptists will understand that phrase.  But it means that a church had invited us to visit them to see whether they wanted us on staff or if we wanted to serve with them.  I was 8 months pregnant with our first child at the time.

I visited a couple's Sunday School class that morning and was immediately drawn to another young mother-to-be.  I found out later it was mutual and Monica and I became best friends as did our sons, John and Jonathon, who were born only a few months apart.

A few months later we added Becky and Neal to our circle of friends and their daughter Ginger, who was only a few months older than our sons.  A few years later they had Neal Allen who was like a younger brother to John and Jonathon.

All that to say, our families were very close and we shared many good memories.

The three of us at a typical Friday night gathering at Neal and Becky's house.

But, life happens and people move and circumstances dictate relationships.

Our friendship changed through the years although there has always been a very special bond between us.  Recently, we saw each other and vowed to get together soon.

We did that this past Friday at my house.

There is something about a friendship like ours that survives and overcomes both distance and circumstances.

It is as if it has been sifted and only the sweetest and most meaningful part remains.

 We so enjoyed our time together and just let me tell you that the conversation never lagged for a single second.

Yes, we are planning more times together in the near future.

Monica, Becky, Libby

 Tales of the Heart

 Judy and husband Karl are Sunday School friends of ours and this beautiful story was featured in the Shreveport Times this past weekend.  It is a touching story of how this Mother and Daughter have fought a serious disease.  Click below to read this story.

Judy, Sarah-Grace & Megan 

Leggings Are Not Pants

I recently saw an article entitled "Leggings Are Not Pants," and thought "Thank you!"

I am so tired of seeing not only young girls but women, some even my age (YIKES, for sure) wearing leggings as if they were a pair of pants.

A couple weeks ago the South Bend Tribune featured an article about this very thing:

"They're Tight But Are They Pants?" 

There were comments for and against the wearing of tight fitting leggings, but one courageous Principal's school policy is:

"When leggings began showing up to his school in force in October and November, school officials were repeatedly sending teens back to their lockers or calling parents to bring something to cover up.

The rule is that legs must be covered south of the hip, fingertip length; in other words, a skirt or shirt or sweater must hang south of where a dangling arm's fingertips reach.

I have to agree and voice my appreciation for this philosophy.  Leggings are fine as long as the top covers the hips and upper legs.

There really are some cute looks and I personally enjoy wearing mine with a long loose top or sweater and boots.

Here are some Do's

 

& Don't s!

 So, what are your feelings on this hot topic?

Souchi Fashions

 I thought you might enjoy pictures of fashions from the past of this favorite Olympic sport.
These are skaters from the 1924 Olympics.
Hungry on left, Great Britain, and USA on right.
Can you imagine doing a Triple Axel in a full-length wool skirt and sweater?

Figure Skating Fashions Through the Years

You will enjoy this article by Diana Pemberton-Sikes

Ten Olympians Who Set Fashion Trends

For those of who are still suffering through Winter 2014, let me inspire you to hold on.

Spring will return!