Salvation

The Book of Luke, 24 Days of Jesus-An Advent Experience

Abuse Survivor, Advent, Angels, Christmas, courage, freedom, grace, hope, kindness, memoir, mercy, Peace, praise, Prayer, Redemption, rest, Salvation, Trust, Uncategorized, Unity, Vulnerability, waiting

Believe, Now

The 16th chapter of Luke’s book is not so gentle a read. It ends with Jesus telling a rich man who refused God that there’d be no need in a miraculous sighting sent to warn his family of Hell. Jesus tells the regretful rich man, they didn’t believe in Moses, it’s likely they may never believe.

“He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭16:31‬ ‭ESV‬‬

I stood holding hands with family yesterday and prayed. I was asked by my cousin to pray.

It felt a little awkward, family can be that way; but, also a sweet answer because I’d actually thought about it, thought about it on the drive to the gathering, what would I pray if I were to bless the food, to pray?

I consider this God. I consider the way this all fell into place truly sweet, a God thing.

I thanked the Lord for the tradition of our get together, for the good things he’s brought us over the past year, the good things he has brought us to and through, and for the food.

As we released our hands, a circle so wide it covered four rooms, intersected by a kitchen and a hall, everyone was quiet and then our Georgia Christmas meal began.

This morning, I’m remembering intercessory prayer. I’m thinking with certainty how God hears our prayers and how I most likely won’t know how my words offered up a little awkwardly will impact my family members.

Somehow and somewhere, they will.

God hears us when we say them, He always hears our prayers.

The rich man lost his opportunity. He ignored the needs of a poor man who inherited heaven as he focused on his wealth.

“And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.

But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭16:20-23, 25‬ ‭ESV‬‬

I sat last night making lists and making plans, most of them revolving around money and the assurance over the lack of enough of it.

I thought of how I love giving, love listening and then providing, how I more than anything love giving what is perceived as a “way too generous” surprise.

I’ll review my list today, I’ll squeeze in a shopping trip this week, wrap some new boxes and rearrange them under our tree.

I’m hoping my gifts to my family will be an evidence of my faith, of my peace, of my hope and my finally really believing in mercy and grace.

Talking less about it, acting it out more.

As I sit in my spot, I’m remembering my family, the love, laughter, good fortune and misfortune in the room.

Family can be tough. Everybody knows. All coming from the same people and place, all knowing all our stuff and still, loving one another, even if skeptical over the bumps in our roads and how still, we grow.

I’m thankful for them. I believe I told Him and them so.

Thank you, God, that we are all here.

This year, my hope, my purpose is that my family sees more clearly, that they see me being who I say that I am.

That they see, Jesus.

That they see “why I believe”.

“For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭30:15‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The Book of Luke, 24 Days of Jesus-An Advent Experience

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Found and Found Again

Chapter 15 is a collection of parables. One, well known and no more relatable than the others, just more often told.

Jesus told the tax collectors and the Pharisees, a captive but cynical audience, three stories about loving lost things, maybe hoping they’d all see themselves, realizing they may be caught in a similar story.

They were condescending and doubtful, remarking that he’s the one who welcomes sinners, has dinner with them.

Jesus had their attention. He told of a man who had a hundred sheep and lost one and how he refused to stop looking until that sheep was back in the fold. He told of a woman frantic over losing one coin of her ten, how she swept every corner of her home way into the night until she found it, found that lost coin.

He used both parables to compare God’s joy when one person, just one comes to Him, or decides it is time to come back to Him.

“Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭15:7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

He told about a brother, one of two, who squandered his share of the father’s riches. That father longed for his son’s return and when he returned, the father ran to him. He ran to him!

“And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭15:20‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Every morning, I return to my morning place. I wait for a moment sometimes or I might just sit. I find Him there quite often.

In the way a word from one book or an email will correlate, complement another.

I wait. I listen to His voice through His Spirit in me.

I sometimes find my eyes wet with tears, others I have to let sink in, the important true lessons for the progression of my faith.

I’m awakened and I’m humbled gently over changes I should make.

It’s a good space, my quiet spot.

I’m found here by Him.

Found and found again.

May you find Jesus this Christmas or may you return to one who’s looking for you, arms wide open saying, “Come back home.”

We are all “the one”.

The Book of Luke, 24 Days of Jesus – An Advent Experience

Advent, Christmas, confidence, contentment, courage, daughters, Faith, Forgiveness, freedom, grace, Peace, praise, Redemption, Salvation, Trust, Uncategorized, Vulnerability, wonder

My Light is His Light

The house is empty and rain has not stopped falling. I’ll be in for most of the day, maybe all day.

I’m not rushing out the door. I believe it’s okay to stay home instead.

I’m doing better this year, happy with wrapping as I go, not anxious, not nearly as anxious as the years before.

This morning, I return to the Book of Luke. I could linger long and not decide which verses I love most, which I need the most and which ones I am beginning to truly understand.

Understanding God’s word cannot be rushed. It’s a beautiful and profoundly unexpected epiphany after epiphany.

I don’t know how I ever lived without it.

Luke has me unable to share in a way this book is worthy of revealing here on this place I use to write.

I’ll hint here, hopefully compel others to read, the importance of Luke, Chapter 8.

  • Jesus welcomed women who had been used, harmed, or were otherwise damaged, labeled damaged goods.
  • Jesus was a fascinating and purposeful storyteller, he told stories to engage others, to draw them near through relatable commonalities.
  • Jesus convicts us and leads us to self-examination. What are you doing with your “seeds” the gifts you have that God who created you, gave you, gave you good things to share?
  • Are you wasting them, scattering occasionally and then forgetting you left them there? Are you losing sight of them, not caring for them and allowing your thorny choices and character flaws to choke them to the point of uselessness, maybe even death, never a difference at all.
  • What about your light? Do people know you’ve got the light of God’s love in you or do you just figure you’ll keep it to yourself, it’s not your business to be a show?
  • Jesus prioritized His calling, said all of humanity was meant to be His family, He took no opportunities to rest with his family, I suppose they knew it would be so.
  • Times will come that shake us. We should remember the storm and the boat and how Jesus slept through it only to be awakened by the terrified disciples. He then calmed them and the storm; but, questioned their faith, the faith that by now they all, we all should know!
  • He cared about the mentally ill, he healed a man overtaken by demons.
  • He was open to interruptions. He was not bothered by a change in his schedule. He’d been summoned to heal a little girl who was dying. He made his way towards the family through all the curious spectators. Something brushed against him. It was a woman who’d been having her period for twelve years, twelve years of being ashamed, of being a prisoner of her womanly calamity. It’s not a pleasant thought. I would have hidden at home too. But, she had heard. She heard of the women with infirmities who now sojourned with him, they’d been sinful and sorrowful women before; but, no more. She must’ve been hoping for that “no more”. Jesus felt her touch and she felt His. She was healed. Jesus said to her the same thing he wants to tell us all. It may be my favorite line. “And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” Luke ‬ ‭8:48‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    • Do you have a Bible? Find the Book of Luke there or with an app on your phone.

    Luke was an intellect, a researcher, a writer who made sure of his story before he wrote it.

    Advent is teaching me, this thing I’ve called my Advent Experience is teaching me, comforting me, changing me.

    My Christmas gift to me, maybe.

    The Book of Luke, 24 Days of Jesus – An Advent Experience

    Abuse Survivor, Advent, bravery, Christmas, contentment, courage, Faith, Forgiveness, freedom, hope, Peace, Redemption, rest, Salvation, Vulnerability, waiting, wonder, writing

    Jesus was born to bring peace.

    Go in peace, now.

    Go in peace.

    “And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

    ‭‭Luke‬ ‭7:50‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    A Peace I Know

    Luke captured in Chapter 7, more healing.

    Healing based on faith, that comes from seeking.

    A noble man brought a servant of his to the attention of Jesus. This esteemed military officer, the centurion sent word to Jesus, requesting he come and heal the dying servant.

    Jesus changed his course and headed to the home of the centurion; but, was stopped. The man sent word to Jesus that he didn’t want to trouble him, he recognized he was not worthy to have Jesus in his home.

    He added, essentially, I know you have a lot on your plate. He could sort of relate.

    So, he requests of Jesus, healing for his servant, that Jesus would “say the word” and the man would live.

    He was at peace that the man would be healed, he believed Jesus was a healer.

    The Centurion understood faith, he knew it does not require us to see, to only believe.

    “When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.””

    ‭‭Luke‬ ‭7:9‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    The servant was saved and the centurion was simply grateful, not seeking any special favors because of his position. He sought Jesus for his servant and humbly made a way.

    The seventh chapter ends with another story of someone who cared nothing about expectations, someone who simply sought Jesus and asked forgiveness of her sins.

    Jesus was invited to dine at the home of a Pharisee, the men around the table most likely planning to pick his brain, to question his presence and to see for themselves how all they were hearing could be possible.

    A woman known for her sinful behavior, heard of Jesus’ whereabouts and entered the home. Her desire to know Jesus made her courageous. Her courage to seek the one who would change her life, make it new led her to arrive at the place she was not welcome by the others but accepted by Him

    She bows at the feet of Jesus, weeping and with an expensive perfumed ointment she’d collected in an alabaster jar, she caresses His feet.

    The men, of course, were arrogant and astounded! This woman is a harlot. Surely you should know this Jesus, here’s the proof, you clearly are not a prophet.

    You have no understanding, no discretion at all.

    You clearly have a different perspective on who is worthy.

    Jesus told them, I came to your home and you gave me little to nothing at all. This woman, she came to me with intention and with humility and she gave everything.

    She surrendered all.

    “Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.””

    ‭‭Luke‬ ‭7:47-48‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    The peace that knowing Jesus gives comes with no cost at all; yet it is the most valuable gift of all.

    It is surely a peace I know and will know and know again.

    “O Lord, you will ordain peace for us, for you have indeed done for us all our works.”

    ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26:12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    The Book of Luke, 24 Days of Jesus – An Advent Experience

    Abuse Survivor, Advent, bravery, confidence, courage, Faith, family, freedom, grace, memoir, mercy, Peace, praise, Redemption, Salvation, Stillness, Trust, Uncategorized, Vulnerability, waiting, wonder

    Speaking of Light

    I read last night about a friend who saw the light.

    She stopped her car and ignored the speeding cars to stand on the side of the road because the sun going down could not go unnoticed.

    The same sun is now just a thin line gradually making its way up through the layered navy blue.

    My feet are bare and the ground is cold, I am pleased to find it at just the right second, I saw the light.

    Before sleep last night I read the seventh day’s Psalm. My mind must have been yearning for tomorrow.

    Now, I’m reading again to remember.

    Psalm 31, a psalm of David is a commitment to God.

    “I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul, and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place.”

    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭31:7-8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    David asks for mercy, asks again to see the light.

    “Let your favor shine on your servant.”

    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭31:16‬ NLT

    He knew the light was not be taken for granted. He knew his feet failed him at times, ventured from the light.

    Jesus encouraged His disciples to be seekers. Seekers of good, seekers of satisfaction other than wealth, seekers of rewards and riches, not here on earth but in heaven.

    In Luke, Chapter 6, there’s a record of quite a lot.

    Jesus corrects the critical Pharisees, he heals a man with an unusable hand, he named his disciples, teaches a multitude of people, talks about the things we seek that leave us full but empty, talks about loving our enemies, strongly warns against judgment of others, tells us people will know we know Him by the fruit we produce and finally, tells us to build our house of hope on the solid rock of faith foundation.

    Jesus made it his mission to leave us not only, through His death to eternal salvation; but, through the recorded words of his time on earth, He left us light for our lives.

    His words lead us, convince us, challenge us.

    His words give us courage to express and invite.

    Last night, I surprised someone. I’d been thinking about it for some time.

    The church I attend has an exceptionally talented band. The drummer is very good. The guitarists, the singers, there’s not a member not talented, it is impressive.

    The music is not “easy listening” always. It challenges me to allow myself more freedom in worship.

    There’s a guy who’s a rocker in my boot camp class. He requests hard rock of the trainer every session. There’s an occasional obscene lyric, there might be references to party and drugs. The speakers are mounted just above the treadmill and last night I worked out next to him. I concentrated on my own feet, as his feet were pounding hard against the movement and with the bass and loud songs.

    It was just three of us at the end and I reached for my coat and water, deciding to ask him then.

    “Do you have a church?” I asked.

    Caught off guard, he asked me to ask again.

    I did and he answered no and so, I told him about mine and about the music and told him I hadn’t intended to catch him by surprise, it’s just that every time I hear the band I think of how I think he’d like to be there.

    He smiled, this same rough from life around the edges man who’d made me smile before when we were all discussing age and parents and I’d told them all that both of mine were dead.

    He looked over at me and said, “I know they must have been good people because you’re good, you’re a good person.”

    I’m thinking of it now, how he made me feel light, how his words brought light to my long day.

    Jesus did the same. He used His words.

    Words are light and love.

    Lord, tell me what to say.

    May my words come from my heart and may I not ignore your Spirit prompting me to speak.

    “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”

    ‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:45‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    May I be unafraid to speak of your light in my life.

    May I continue to seek it.

    Have This Hope

    Abuse Survivor, bravery, confidence, contentment, courage, Faith, freedom, grace, memoir, Prayer, Redemption, rest, Salvation, Uncategorized, Vulnerability, writing

    Sometimes, I’ll pray,

    Jesus, be my editor.

    I want to be observant of Him, my life and my art and words, purveyors of Him.

    I want to cause others to consider my present hope in light of my previous trauma.

    No day is the same as any single day before. Our days might be framed and arranged with similarities, coffee, and quiet and an awareness of a bird waking up outside your window, but it’s never just the same.

    Our days, never the same, the exact time the birds begin to sing, their type and from whence they have flown.

    The words I write, the way I consider my schedule, I’m slow and achy or optimistic or something in the middle.

    I repeated a tough time yesterday; but, only in my retelling of its story.

    Very clear, the memory I shared to express a time of a prayer, a plea.

    It was pleasant to tell of an unpleasant time, as if an accidental reminder to myself, you got through that, you are strong.

    All is well.

    Just the reframing of a recollection we’d never aim to repeat.

    All of our regrets, our remorse, and resentment over wrongs done us or by us.

    We need only repeat them as a reference, a reference of how different we are, how decidedly committed to reframing our trials in light of knowing God saw us then and sees us now.

    “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

    ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Pressing on, not repeating old stories, only reading the chapters of our lives, rewritten, edited by God.

    Prompted to write on word “repeat”, remembering times I’ve been brought through, times I don’t ever have to repeat but will recall them in ways to carry on.

    Read other thoughts on “repeat” here:  http://fiveminutefriday.com/2018/11/01/fmf-link-up-repeat/

    31 Days, Freely – Together

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    Despite the change in temperature and season, the roses my husband pruned way back are again deciding to grow.

    One by one, little buds have burst into blooms. Before you know it and if the frost is late, we’ll have an abundance of magenta blocking the back door.

    I’ve got an independent streak, resistant to joining in, being corralled together with people who are only a tiny bit like me, at least I believe so.

    And I don’t like to join in if I think people will call me a follower or a fan girl, or for show.

    I prefer to sit back, stay in my place and let Lisa be Lisa.

    That’s not always what God desires. I mean, if you know me I know you’ll most likely not imagine me shouting, jumping for joy.

    Shoot! I very rarely even laugh out loud. I should correct that, I guess.

    I’m so quiet at home, my husband approaches me to say, “you’re really into that, let me ask you something and then I’ll go away…”

    I should probably do something about this too.

    Yesterday, we went to church together, to a new church on the day they were doing something new, moving to their new space.

    We’re not sure where we’re gonna land. We love church, know church is something we need; but, we (I, really and his sweet agreement with me) don’t know yet where we should be.

    I’m afraid this is a growing trend,

    I’m praying. We are praying, we will end up in the church we should be. Sooner than later, I believe.

    Yesterday, the pastor gave a teaching message, how to tell your story with gentleness and respect, explaining why you have hope in God.

    Then he suggested share using the hashtag #gotestify

    It was late in the day that I decided I would. I’m anti-FaceTime. I just don’t think I’m quite that fancy or special and my selfies are very few.

    But, I found a photo I took of my self sitting on the Isle of Palms shore. I hadn’t planned on beach sitting, the day and day before had just about pushed the limit on stress. But, all had been good. All was good. I saw it in my face.

    So, I used this little selfie for my message, my message of me before the mercy of Jesus, how I found it, and how it is changing and changed me.

    Together, with others, I testified and shared:

    The reason for my hope: I was raised to be afraid of all my wrong and potential of wrong and the hell that my life would surely bring. I was forced to “evangelize” with gospel tracts while walking ever perfect and straight lines…then because I knew I’d never keep it all between the lines, I ventured off without boundaries to places way too hard to tell. Then, I had my babies and we later found a little church and an elderly preacher who showed up on his own…to help me in my distress. He was answering His calling, God had already been stirring my soul and he told me about mercy and helped me pray. The road has had its moments, my walk of faith sometimes faltering. But, God has never failed, never failed me yet. So, now I know and believe it more everyday, the opposite of the harmful contradiction that I was taught as a little girl. Mercy triumphs over judgment. And it is this mercy that is the reason for my hope. #gotestify #oldselfie #idontfacetime #writebravely #healedandhopeful #rewritingmybook

    Some people liked it, one appreciated my transparency.

    Many it may have stirred curiosity and some might now avoid me or think I was too much of me.

    I believe I should be brave; but so much more than being brave, I believe I should be grateful and I believe more than ever God is making me able, able to tell my story that will point to Him.

    Lord , help me be consistent. Unsure of all the places this matters, so many, my attitude, my prayer life, my humility and my perseverance.

    My hope is in His mercy, knowing more surely than ever it is forever there.

    31 Days, Freely – When

    Angels, bravery, confidence, contentment, courage, Faith, fear, Forgiveness, freedom, love, memoir, Redemption, Salvation, Trust, Uncategorized, Vulnerability, wonder

    “The monarchs are migrating.” I offered as if I knew anything at all about butterfly migration or Fall.

    “It’s amazing how far they travel, they’re on the way now,” he added a foreign place I can’t remember and told me how he had read of their journey, how they were created to become beautiful and then to fly.

    I know nothing about such things, I’ve only heard about this, I realize.

    I sit with my feet in the sand in the place that was clear for us, a wide space, no other people in our space.

    They kept flying near along with the dragonfly, landing or flirting with the possibility of resting near my chair.

    I tried to capture the image, they only captured my fascination.

    Walking, the next day before leaving, I saw another one there. This one, in the rubble of raked debris, just lying there.

    The Lab was distracted as I bent to collect it, a small one, I kept it in my hand.

    Knowing that it was landed there softly for my finding.

    Knowing every little thing on my path is significant to my story.

    Yesterday, we gave $5 to a woman with a sign. She reached through my window and I avoided her eyes, “God bless you today for this.” she said and then the light changed and I led us on our way towards food in the hungry and impatient line of cars.

    My husband wondered about her worthiness and we both decided his observation might be right.

    Then we chose to let go of our judgment, to let be what will be with her intentions, only feel sure ours were good and hopeful and done in love we certainly didn’t consider ever having for her at all.

    Not her, nor the shaken young woman, mistaken somehow in her driving, causing our accident. It is best to love her although it makes no sense at all.

    I woke this morning deciding not to judge her, nor the others who may have been off track, trying to get back on.

    Deciding love is better, costs so very little at all.

    When we choose love, people get the best of us, they get to see Jesus coming through because there’s no way we’d ever be so consistent with mercy at all.

    “We love because he first loved us.”

    ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4:19‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    I’m not able own my own.

    When we love, we aren’t able to judge. When we really love, there’s no sense or room for judgment, at all.

    31 Days, Freely – Talk

    Angels, birds, Faith, family, Forgiveness, grace, Labradors, memoir, mercy, Peace, Prayer, Salvation, Trust, Vulnerability, waiting, wonder

    It’s Saturday before dawn in a different house than our own.

    I keep the dog quiet, keep quiet with him.

    Similar routine, just a different setting surrounded by my same books and such.

    Quiet, quietly we sit.

    God is not found in multiplicity, but in simplicity of thoughts and words. Margaret Mary Hallahan

    A coughing sound once and then again, we hope they’ll sleep just a tad bit more.

    Because the birds are now talking, sounds like just two or three and the big brown dog shifts to follow, staring stoically towards the terrace as voices from early walkers seep in.

    Then he sighs, he’s got me, no worries.

    I’ve got him.

    I quiet him, hold him steady with one foot over his hips.

    He’s good again, we’re good and God is talking, we’re listening.

    I’m taking notes, writing thank you’s and feeling loved.

    “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us…”

    ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4:16‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    31 Days, Freely – Believe

    Abuse Survivor, bravery, Children, confidence, contentment, courage, daughters, doubt, Faith, family, Forgiveness, freedom, grace, heaven, memoir, mercy, Motherhood, Prayer, Redemption, rest, Salvation, Trust, Uncategorized, Vulnerability, wonder, writing

    My mama never kept a journal or to my knowledge, wrote thoughts in a Bible.

    So, I can’t say I “get that from my mama”.

    She’d rather speak her truths to you, long conversations with time in between her phrases to let what she’d given you sink in. Look you in the eye or leave something with you and look away, walk away like that’s it, now I’m puttin’ a period there.

    I believe every single thing she ever said.

    Lots of times there was no acceptable reply, either she’d put me in my place or I had to just keep my mouth shut and let the sometimes unwelcome truth sink in.

    She was resilient.

    She believed in the possibility of everything working out for good despite so much wrong she endured.

    She rarely quoted scripture, just paraphrased God’s truths in her own no holds barred way. Some would call it irreverent, her language was generous with cuss words.

    I don’t think she aspired to write and I rarely recall a book in her lap, she’d rather be one with people, one with life.

    She talked about books in a different way, telling me “turn the page, Lisa Anne.” when I kept mulling over some misdeed or misfortune.

    She was quick to give her commentary on all that might be wrong or someone’s crazy choices or just mean motives.

    She’d say “They’re not reading the right book or they’re not on the same page.”

    I know she had a Bible. I know because it was mine and towards the end of her days I noticed it moved from the stack of old Southern Living magazines to the place in front of her where she’d fall asleep with the noise of Fox news.

    I know she believed. I know she wanted us all, the four of us to always believe.

    To pray, believing more often than beckoning or begging.

    To smile, thinking how far we’ve all come and how far she and daddy got to see us go and grow.

    Yesterday, I had an encounter with someone who has changed. A distant person who acknowledged her resistance towards relationship, she stopped by to give me a book.

    She had a cold, I’d had to same one, I shared. She let me hug her and she hugged me back.

    We walked out and I told her she’d reminded me of a new favorite word, “countenance”.

    She was puzzled, said she had never heard it before and I told her I thought it might be biblical but that it’s such a beautiful word, a beautiful thing to see.

    I explained that it means to me, your sweet soul is shining through, the change in expression showing so pretty on your face.

    She thanked me twice, and more.

    I thanked her for stopping by.

    Thanking her and God now for reminding me of my mama.

    Reminding me to choose believing.

    Believing God is so very good.

    “Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.””

    ‭‭John‬ ‭16:32-33‬ ‭ESV‬‬

    And to “live life today”, and then tomorrow live and believe again as you “turn the page”.

    My mama’s stubborn resilience and God’s unwavering and believable peace and grace, I’m believing in both today.