I love Sundays!

Some days I feel so peaceful and contented. Today is one of those days. In fact, I find myself feeling that way a lot on the Lord’s Day. I enjoy assembling with my Christian brothers and sisters. I love how my "batteries are recharged" through worship! I also love the time we have to visit with one another. I really love our little group at Eastside! 

Aside from the assembly, I also love the laid-back “vibe” of Sunday afternoons. We almost always go out to eat for lunch. I ease up on my dietary restrictions for the day, so we usually end up at Whataburger. I love my weekly hamburger and fries! I try to eat lightly the rest of the day, but I don’t worry about it if I go over my limit. Sundays are the only day that I don’t exercise. Sometimes I’ll take a walk in the evening, but only if I feel like it. Mostly I just “chill”. 

Today has been a little busier than usual for a Sunday afternoon. I did a couple of loads of laundry and went to Walmart to stock up on produce and a few other items that I need for the week. But other than that, I’ve just read, listened to music, and enjoyed a day of leisure. Even though our days are pretty much ours to do as we want since Dennis retired, we try to keep ourselves busy with various pursuits. Throughout the week, one day is pretty much like the other. But Sundays are different. I like that. 

I hope that all of you have enjoyed a good Lord’s Day as well. Wishing you a good week! Take care and be kind! 

Ps 118:24 This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. (NKJV)

A little soul-searching

A friend posted this verse this morning:  Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah (Psalms 4:4 NKJV)

Simple verse, but it can take a lifetime to learn to live it. First, to be able to control one’s temper…without thinking or saying or doing anything ugly. I might be able to control my actions (sometimes) or even my tongue (less often), but my thoughts? How many times does a retaliatory thought pop into my head? Way too often, I’m afraid. How many times do I pop off and say something in return? Still guilty. Learning to return good for evil is a challenge and a commandment that I struggle with daily:  Bless (this means to speak well of or praise) those who persecute you; bless and do not curse… Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:14, 20-21 NKJV)

The second part of this passage is also challenging, but in a different way. Learning to control my temper is fighting against my human passion…bringing it under control…and replacing it with the love of God. Learning to be still and meditate is a more subtle struggle. Calming my mind…focusing on God. At times, it comes very easily, such as when I’m observing an awesome view of nature. Sometimes, it comes with just a little bit of effort, such as when I’m driving down the road, alone, and choose to spend the time talking to God and admiring His creation. But during my normal, daily routine…it is very challenging. When I’m taking a break and sitting in my recliner, do I meditate and allow the Spirit to move in me? Or do I busy my mind with TV or reading for pleasure or playing games on my computer? I’m afraid I am guilty of the latter. I have what I refer to as a “lazy mind”.  I don’t like to think deep thoughts most of the time. I like to keep things light and easy and relaxing. Which is a bit ironic, don’t you think? Look at the language used in the psalm…be still.  That imagery is one of peace and contentment. Why is it so hard for me to achieve? Why must I constantly fill my mind with trivialities? Why can’t I allow the Spirit to help me find true peace? And it follows that if I spend more time working on this, the first part of the verse will also get easier! Amazing how that works, huh?

Anyway, I’m grateful for Sherry sharing this verse today. It stirred up my heart and helped me spend a bit more time today in meditating on God’s Word and doing a little soul-searching. I hope it has done the same for you.

Way Out West

Had a wonderful week with Dennis on our trip out west!  We started out by driving to Odessa on Saturday night.  We then attended services at the Pecos church and met quite a few new friends.  Ron and Melissa Box were kind enough to take us and the Hays family out for dinner.  We enjoyed our time visiting and getting to know their family.  Then we followed Joe and Leanne home to Carlsbad for a couple of nights.  Their kids happened to be out of school Monday, so they all accompanied us to the caverns.  Dennis and I hadn't been since we were both kiddos.  It was as beautiful as I remembered!  There weren't many people there, and it happened to be free admission for Veteran's Day, so it turned out perfect!

At the park entrance

Taking a rest

We left early Tuesday morning and headed back to Texas.  We followed along the edge of the Guadalupe Mtns. in southern NM and then headed to the Davis Mtns. in Texas.  We enjoyed the beautiful sites along the way and ended up at our destination for the night in Alpine.  I loved this town!  I want to return sometime and spend more time exploring!  That evening we headed back into the mountains to attend a "Star Party" at the McDonald Observatory.  It was amazing!  The stars were so bright, we were able to view an awesome meteor streak across the sky, and we viewed the "stripes" on Jupiter through one of their telescopes.

Our cabin in Terlingua

After a leisurely Wednesday morning, we headed down into Big Bend country.  My "skills" at finding unusual accommodations is still intact as is in evidence by our cabin I rented in Terlingua.  At least it was clean, although it had a strong smoky odor.  It was in the perfect location, tho, for viewing both the state and national parks.  We spent all Wednesday afternoon, until dark, viewing the Big Bend Ranch State Park.  The road is sandwiched between the south border of the park on one side and the Rio Grande River on the other (which is bordered on the south side by even more mountains on the Mexican side).  As the sun started to set, we parked our car and hiked back off the road a ways to try to view some wildlife.  We heard car doors, and as we approached our car on our return were greeted with the sight of the border patrol checking us out!  They decided we weren't illegal, so they waved and went on their way.

We found this bluebonnet blooming...in November!

We spent all day Thursday going through the Big Bend National Park...such a HUGE, diverse piece of wilderness!  It includes vast Chihuahuan desert, the beautiful oasis of the Chisos Basin, and the lush wetlands of the Hot Springs along the river.  My favorite was the Chisos Basin...such a gorgeous place.  We even saw a bear!

"The Window"

"Our" bear - he enjoyed a nice long sunning while all the guests at the Chisos Lodge watched!

Today was a long day of driving home, but we made it safely.  It was good to be back and see Ricky.  I'm looking forward to sleeping in my bed tonight!  The past week was one I'll never forget:  the quietness and beauty of God's creation...away from the interference of man.


Ps 104:24 O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.
















"He Whispers Sweet Peace to Me"

Woke up with this song in my head this morning.

Sometime when misgivings darken the day,

And faith's light I cannot see;

I ask my dear Lord to brighten the way,

He whispers sweet peace to me.

He speaks thru His word, assurance He gives,

I'm His and I know He's mine;

And safe in the fold my soul He will keep,

I'll rest in His love divine.

He whispers sweet peace to me, He whispers sweet peace to me,

And thro His blest word He strengthens my soul,

He whispers sweet peace to me.

Such a blessing to have the wonderful peace of God in our lives through His son, Jesus!  There have been times when I didn't know how I could go on, but He was there to guide me through.  Even during the "normal" times, His peace provides such comfort and joy.  Glory be to God for his amazing love and grace that sustains us!

Ro 15:13  Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Php 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.