Abba's Girl

Have you ever let a little housework slide only to be overwhelmed by clutter? I let some mail, catalogs, magazines, and books pile up in the den and our bedroom. I dealt with some of it today by placing items in a basket and immediately loading the basket and dog in the car so we could drop it off at a paper recycling bin. I survived without perusing the catalogs. So what...I did not copy recipes out of magazines. Great feeling as I dumped political candidates' postcards and letters into the bin. Books have been placed on shelves and in cabinets. Order is being restored. Sin can be a bit like clutter, it usually creeps into our lives a little bit at a time with disastrous results. In my daily Bible reading the past few days have been from the 1st 10 chapters of Jeremiah. I am participating in Anne Graham Lotz's Bible Study - Expecting to See Jesus. This week's study is from 2 Chronicles 34 about King Josiah. Both deal with sin. Many churches do not talk about sin thes...

Southeast Texas' summer has been mild so far this year. The high temperatures have not climbed to 100, we've had some rain, could use more, but we are not in a severe drought. Thank You Lord! By mid-August, I usually run out of energy and lose interest in being outdoors for any reason. This year, the summer doldrums arrived about a week early. Is there a way to participate in a 5K next Sat. without leaving my house? I used to love the lazy days of summer, watching clouds, riding bikes, trips to the library, swimming at the YWCA, a day in Galveston. Ballet classes were during the day in summer, so there were plenty of evenings playing kickball, baseball, and hide n seek. When did I lose my love for summer? Most of the housework is done, I've stacked a book, gardening magazines, and my Bible study workbook on the end table and plan to remain in the den for the rest of the afternoon enjoying the quiet while I read and study. No music, no TV, just the soft whir the ceili...

Jesus said,“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man." The Bible points to the signs of our Lord's return. I think sometimes we earnestly watch and other times we begin to doze and possibly fall asleep. If you knew beyond a shadow of a doubt His return was scheduled for day after tomorrow would it influence: How you spent your time? How you shopped? What you watched on TV, at the movies? What you said in conversations? If and how long your prayed? Would you try to reconcile with estranged friends and family members? If you cracked open your Bible? If you turned from sinful behavior? If you told people God loves them?

Last October a friend wanted to return a Bible I gave her years ago to use in a Bible Study. She didn't have the version the study suggested. I went over to see her and pick up the Bible, I knew it was the last time I would see her here, it was nice to say goodbye, tell her one last time I loved her and treasured our friendship, and pray for her. She died a few hours later. I finally worked up my nerve and looked at the pages she had bookmarked in the Bible. One was Psalm 121 which we memorized as part of the 1st Bible study we did together in my home. I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night....

My cousin Bill is in the midst of treatment for cancer. He filled us in about his chemo today, he was in the chair from 11a to 5:15p, it was a long day. He spends the time in the Word preparing lessons and talks to the nurses about faith and adversity. Bill is a warrior, his considerable experience in the military as well as his Christian walk have prepared him for battle. He shared a story today about a dream/vision he had which brought me to tears. I so HATE to cry, but tears over what God does in someone's life or tears shed with friends as they cry are different. Somehow they are OK. Though it is hard to see the screen as I type and where are the Kleenexes when you need them? Whatever you are going through now, remember God is with you. His Word tells us: We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of J...

Back in August 2013, I convened a group of classmates to discuss our 35 year High School Reunion. My thought was to start planning and let someone else be the head of the committee. It did not quite work out that way. In retrospect, I should not have brought a calendar, notebook, or writing implement of any kind to the meeting! (Apparently everyone else knew this.) Somehow after the initial meeting I was appointed Queen Bee of the reunion. I've always been a worker bee and am fine with that because I have the tendency to take over and plan everything without asking for anyone's input. As Queen Bee, I've become a people pleaser which I find stressful and tiring. Now I am like an out of control hall monitor chasing people down for their RSVP's and money. I've moved from e-mails to phone calls, next I'll be waiting at the end of the procrastinators' driveways as they attempt to leave for work one morning. I am also downloading music from the mid to late 197...

Happy Monday... Sometimes we receive news 1st thing on a Monday morning which takes the wind out of our sails. (And for a moment I thought I hate Monday!) Thankfully after a moment of "I hate Mondays.", my thoughts reverted to those of a daughter of the King - Today is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. (If I received the same news on a Tuesday, would I say I hate Tuesdays? I don't think so.) Everyday is a gift and I want to remember that and not become blasé about life and my time on Earth. God is bigger than any mountain we face. His joy is my strength as I stand beside a loved one in battle. His mercy never ends. Please join me in praising His holy Name!

This time of year our yard is in transition. Many of the winter blooms (Pansies & Violas) are on their last leg, the Snapdragons, Delphinium, and Larkspur are not far behind them. The summer perennials and annuals are blooming, Verbena and Salvia are vibrant in their violet and red hues. Butterflies abound. I've seen one Hummingbird who may be summering here (I hope so.) or he may be resting before he heads north for the summer. The transition is bittersweet because I love the winter flowers and I know HOT and HUMID days are drawing closer and closer. Life is filled with transitions, some are great some are so so, and some are downright terrible. However no matter how much life changes, God is always the same. He love endures forever, His Son promised He will be with us always. His Word tells us: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; str...

My dog Shorty (named by his previous owner) loves to chase birds and catch various rodents. (NOTE: Most rodents are caught when the man is not home and most are alive when they are presented to me on the couch or on our bed.) I refer to Shorty's method as Shock & Awe because he bursts through the doggy door with every ounce of his being and pounces his way through the yard after his object of prey. Every being in the backyard knows he is on the way, there is nothing stealthy or subtle about him. His energy has amazed me since the man brought Shorty home from the rescue center almost 2 years ago. I regret I do not have his energy, though I would pursue something other than birds or rodents. My energy has been lagging for some time now due to a couple of small medical issues as well as my Vitamin D level - a whopping 7 instead of at least 30. The doctor was not amused when I mentioned 7 was the number of completion - the number of God. So I am taking prescription Vitamin D for ...

Ever notice how every 4 years people are expert judges in figure skating, bob sledding, half pipe etc, speed skating, etc etc? Though I claim no expertise at Curling (even my own hair at times), I seem to have opinions on many other events myself; which led me to contemplating am I judging others though it is no concern of mine because I am not God. I've almost cut off a long time friend because each and every phone call is a one way conversation of her opinion on everyone and her opinions are never kind. I do not want to participate in conversations like that nor do I want to hear critical words concerning everyone in her life (also knowing she talks about me to others). Being judgmental can be an easy habit to develop just like gossip and other horrible things. I've asked the Lord to show me my judgmental thoughts and words because I want to repent and be forgiven. I want to love others even if they do not love me and live out God's Word. I hope you do too. Jesus said...

A few days ago a friend collapsed while walking down the street and was unable to break the fall, as a result her face smashed into the concrete at full force. We were at the ER in 5 minutes. X-rays, a CT scan, and stitches were done and we were out of the hospital in 2 hours. Life Flite was cancelled because there were no fractures or brain injury. Thank You Lord! All hospitals do not look alike, but they all sound alike and smell the same. People's faces in the ER look the same as well. Tears as a code blue is called over the PA system, parents trying to absorb news about their injured child. As I set there, I prayed for my friend and for the people in the ER waiting area as well as in the ER cubicles. I was so thankful my friend was able to go home after we picked up prescriptions. I deliver fruit and almond smoothies each day and will continue to do her errands for the next few days until she can drive again. I think there is much opportunity for prayer ministry in hospit...

Today is a cold, dreary day by southeast Texas standards, we made it to our forecast high of 43. It is grey, misty, and and very humid. (A really bad hair day!) As I prayed this morning, I asked the Lord to help me remember is He with me all day and that I sense His presence during work, at lunch, at home, etc. I walked out of my office and looked out the window on the side of my front door. There were 20-30 Goldfinch, several House Finch, a couple Pine Siskin, Blue Jays, and Cardinals feeding sunflower hearts and thistle seeds. It was a beautiful sight! As I thought of the Scripture: Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Through the birds and Scripture, He reminded me He is with me. About to exercise - I hope to remember He is with me as I exercise instead of crying out to Him for healing after I complete the exercise session!

Last week I saw several young men currently in BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEALS) running down a beach in CA. I don't know how many weeks into the 6 month course they are, but I know they work incredibly hard in an attempt to become a Navy SEAL. They train hard mentally and physically. As I watched them, I wanted to applaud them as well as cry. Sometimes I wonder where my spiritual life would be if I approached time in the Word and prayer with an attitude of going to war against evil. It is an aspect I don't think about too often on any given day. In Ephesians 6 we read about our armor: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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. Therefore ta...

The other night a friend and I met for a quick dinner at a local restaurant. As we talked after our meal, a young man of 16 or 17 years old came over and asked if he could clear our dishes. We said yes. He put Mella's dishes on his tray, was about to pick up my plate when Mella's knife catapulted off her plate, did a few somersaults in the air, landed on my wrist, bounced down to my thigh, then up to the table and landed with a clatter. A couple spinach leaves landed on me as well. Mella & I started laughing. The waiter was appalled and very apologetic. We laughed more, he apologized more. After seeing the knife in action, I could believe there was one shooter in Dallas up in the book repository. The waiter said he would ask the manager to comp the meal. I told him not to worry, it was an accident, no harm done. He thanked me for being nice and not cursing at him. I asked if people would curse at him for such a tiny thing. He said, "Yes, and in fact people way older TH...

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. In the Bible the word stone appears 324 times in the English Standard Version. Stones on the ground, various minerals are described as stones, they are building materials, things to be thrown, and hearts. As a Christian, I consistently search my heart. Is there (or are there) an area in which it is stony instead of surrendered to God? Do I have a hardened heart towards a person or situation? The honest answer is yes. I have shut down regarding a person I've known too many years to count. If I describe the cause of the shut down, I fear I will sin further by describing it because I might add a few adjectives, a few adverbs, and far too many nouns to cause the person to look bad and I might come out smelling like a rose. One of the things on my heart this year is to freely love this person again and to pray with fervor for...

I am sipping coffee and typing away on my laptop this quiet New Year’s morn. The power went out about 2 hours ago. (The blessing is 2 fold: the coffee was ready and it is not our main season in Southeast Texas which is HOT.) Read the Bible by flashlight, the dog is under the covers, and the quiet is only disturbed by an occasional train’s engineer blowing his horn loud enough and long enough for people 50 miles away to hear. When I was young, I never valued quietness or solitude, now I relish both. In 2014, I hope to spend more time in the Word and in prayer. 2013 was dismal in some ways, I was sick with pneumonia for over a month, then sick again from May through Sept. with a respiratory virus. Both took a lot out of me. I lost friends/family members to disease. There were horrific tragedies in our country and around the world. However, 2013 was also filled with joy and blessings too numerous to count. I hope no matter what circumstances are thrown our way in 2014, we can say ...