'Til the Storm Passes By

Around the first of this year I posted a few Worship Wednesdays that were built on a stormy theme. The most dramatic was the one about the February tornadoes that ripped through Union University. Today's post is a video of the late Vestal Goodman singing a comforting song about the safest place to rest until the storm ceases.

The video quality is not so great, but there is no equal to the lyrics or the voice that brings them to life.

Powerful Memory Enhancers

A Mayo Clinic report states: "Ginkgo biloba has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Today, it is one of the top selling herbs in the United States. Although not definitive, there is promising early evidence favoring the use of ginkgo for memory enhancement in healthy subjects, altitude (mountain) sickness, symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and reduction of chemotherapy-induced end-organ vascular damage."

While Ginkgo biloba may be known as one of the oldest memory enhancers, it can not be compared to the One that was present when the worlds were framed.

But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you. John 14:26

The Holy Spirit was sent not only to remind the disciples of the teachings of Christ, but to empower them to witness to those both near and far. Peter experienced and demonstrated this power on the Day of Pentecost when he justified the behavior of the 120 who had been filled with the Holy Ghost.

This same promise has been extended to us today. Acts 2:39 states it this way; "For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call."

I had a great ending for this post, but...... I can't seem to remember how it goes. Guess I should grab some Ginko on the way to my prayer closet. (smile)

The D Word

I know I haven't visited and commented on your blogs. I have been a bit preoccupied with the separation going on. I still cannot wrap my mind around the "D" word, and so I will cloak it with a kind euphemism for now. When your entire world is turned upside down, it takes a while to get your bearings.

I have mixed feelings about airing my dirty laundry here. And then again, I think that by now the faithful few who are still reading are truly interested and care. So I stop by and update you. And this also helps as a kind of therapy.

For the record, I was the one who chose to leave and chose to file. It was not an easy decision, nor a hasty one. I felt it was my last option--my last hope for change. To stop the downward spiral, the bleeding that was draining me of life, no mere tourniquet would suffice. Too much damage had occurred.

Now we could play the blame game all day long, but the truth of the matter is it takes 2 to make a marriage, and 2 to cause a split. One morning I woke up and did not want to get out of bed. I just wanted to cover my head and pretend the world did not exist. And it was then it dawned on me--that this is what my husband has done for the past 3 years. (And I have asked him recently, "So how's that workin' for ya?" ) Doing nothing was not the answer. Not an option for me. Something had to be done. And soon. So you can call it running all you want, but I know the truth. I'm facing life head on. It is not something I relish doing--would rather not have had to do. But I'm going into it with my eyes open and my head on straight. And I'm going to be okay. Eventually.

Remember us in your prayers. The three of us. This is a drastic adjustment. Bub and I need to get our acts together. Whether we are married or separated. There is this wonderful, beautiful life we created. And he needs us. Both of us. He is the one thing we did right. So we definitely don't want to screw it up now. Thanks for letting me unload here. I will get back to your blogs eventually. Love to all. Cyn

Gone Fishing

So sorry for the delay in posting today's Worship Wednesday. Generally, I try to get it written on Tuesday night and post it soon after I get off work. Last night was so busy that I didn't even get a real supper break, so there was no chance to even start a post. Afterwards, my Golden Boy came to spend the night with me. So..... you know I had no time for sitting around the 'puter.

Bright and early this morning I was awakened by the creaking of my bedroom door. Peeping in ever so quietly, was my Golden Boy. He wanted to know when I was going to get up and when we were going fishing. Oh how I wish I had the energy of an eight year old boy. Long story short, we got up and went fishing. Sad to say, we didn't catch anything. Maybe next time we should do our casting from the other side of the pond.

3Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.
4But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.
5Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.
6And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. John 21:3-6

Hungry and exhausted the disciples could have easily blown off the advice of the man on the shore. They had no idea that the man was the One that controlled the sea and all that it contained. It was only after he revealed his identity to Peter, that they understood why they hauled in more fish than their boats could hold.

Oftentimes our circumstances are less than ideal. Sometimes there is little or nothing to show for our labors. The feeling of failure fosters the idea of throwing in the towel or in Peter's case, the net.

But rest assured, Jesus will show up in our times of difficulty. It is up to us to be looking for him. We may not recognize his hand at work, but his voice will reveal his identity to us. So, we must ever be listening for his guidance and be willing to follow his directions.

One Day at a Time

A LOT has changed in the last couple of weeks. I have moved back home with my son. We are adjusting. But we are okay. Someone told me before I left that they hoped I found what I was looking for. It's not necessarily that I was looking for anything. I just needed some peace. And rest. Three years without sleep will turn you into someone you don't even recognize. I did not like what I was becoming. And so I guess you could say I had lost me. And hopefully, in the months ahead, I will indeed find what I am looking for--the me I want to be.

I have gone through many emotions--the full range of anger, sadness, relief, confusion, bitterness--you name it. But I came to the conclusion that the only person I could control was me. And if things were going to change, it had to be up to me to bring it about. And so here I am. Just taking it one day at a time.

WW: Making Progress

Salvation is more than walking an isle, shaking the preacher's hand, and repeating the sinner's prayer. It is a crossing over the threshold from death and destruction and into a new life replete with new activities and a brand new eternal destination.

Scripture tells us that we are saved by faith and not of works. And then again, it says that faith without works is dead. The following verses found in Jude, give us a few more instructions for our daily walk with the Lord. I like the part that says, "make progress". That really sums up the whole matter. If we are not progressing in our faith walk then we are most certainly sliding backward. Limbo is not an applicable term when it comes to Christianity.

20But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [[a]make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit;
21Guard and keep yourselves in the love of God; expect and patiently wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah)--[which will bring you] unto life eternal.

22And refute [so as to] convict some who dispute with you, and on some have mercy who waver and doubt.
23[Strive to] save others, snatching [them] out of [the] fire; on others take pity [but] with fear, loathing even the garment spotted by the flesh and polluted by their sensuality.

24Now to Him Who is able to keep you without stumbling or slipping or falling, and to present [you] unblemished (blameless and faultless) before the presence of His glory in triumphant joy and exultation [with unspeakable, ecstatic delight]--
25To the one only God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory (splendor), majesty, might and dominion, and power and authority, before all time and now and forever (unto all the ages of eternity). Amen (so be it). Jude 1:20-25 The Amplified Bible

Things Change

If things look different around here, it is because they are. I moved over Memorial Day weekend, and the wreath blew out of the truck and got run over twice. It is somewhere between here and there. Therefore, the new name, "Gone With the Wreath." Eventually I will have something more creative or create an entirely new blog. But for now it will suffice.

As for moving, it has been quite the experience, as moving tends to be. It has not been without some little kinks, but nothing that could not be straightened out with a few days work and a little ingenuity. I know one thing. I have been spoiled for the last 12 years. But living beyond my means is partially what got me here, so I am learning to conserve, make do, do without, and I am trying to develop a healthy attitude about it. That part is hard for me.

But I am blessed to have a wonderful extended family, and they have chipped in and done whatever needed doing. For that I am forever grateful. Hopefully soon I can get back on a regular blogging and writing schedule. I miss you all.