I am spending my time, whether doing other tasks or not, in deep prayer and supplication to the Lord, requesting wisdom in knowing how to counsel with those around me and how to receive the best counsel in my own heart to bear these load, myself.

My deep faith sustains and guides me.  I seek forgiveness from those I may have wronged in my past, although I’ve always tried to do the best I knew to do at the time I was acting.

I do not like to write publicly in such a frame of mind, yet I do not turn from trying to be honest and open with the struggles in my heart with all who will bear with me.  I regret in my younger years having been judgmental toward many around me when, instead, I should have listened more carefully to their hearts and found that they were just like me.  We all seek the same thing deep down inside – to be truly loved and accepted for who and what we are.

I have long since learned better, having found true love and acceptance from this man to whom I am married.  Because of his great love for me, I came to know and understand – to really feel and believe – the unquenchable, eternal love of God, our Father, and Jesus Christ, our Savior.  Although he was God’s Son, he came here to earth to live as a man – as we live – to be one of us in all ways – and die, in his perfection, so that we might be redeemed by grace.  We are living, breathing souls and as God’s children, we are already living in eternity, never to face death, except in this physical, bodily form.  We have been saved by grace through our faith and in following after God to share His love to all around us.

We are the embodiment of Christ’s body – the church – upon this earth.  We are to exemplify Jesus in all our ways with each other and even with strangers and enemies.  May God help me live this out from now on, the remainder of my human days.

To God be the glory, and may we each recognize that Jesus loves  us.  Each of us.  You.  Me.  He will not forsake us or let us down, so matter how much we stumble or grow weary and weak.  “Jesus loves me, this I know.”

Please pray with me today, y’all, and know I pray for you, too.  Dee

Can any of you identify?

So . . . I’ve . . . been . . . stressed.

But, at the same time I’ve been reminded this week by others (thanks, Heather, for reminding me that dial-up internet on a rickity laptop is better than none at all!), in some cases, to be mindful of the little things in life that make our lives better.  I need to be “shook up” sometimes to appreciate all I have.  Me – the one who just wrote about “The Girl in the Woods” last time (this past Monday, that now seems eons ago) to remind us all to look around and really observe what we see.

I want to share with you a couple of photos we have of some beautiful birds who live here in Mississippi.  They are Mississippi Swallow-tail Kites, and Tom saw one flying above him on the way home from work one afternoon.

Isn’t this the most beautiful, graceful bird?

Here’s another one soaring above in the heavens.  Would that I could be such a bird in flight!

My spirit and my soul DO fly high above into the heavens when I remember my God, my creator . . . and I am refreshed and replinished in heart and mind.

Thank you, Father, for such beautiful little things in life that are not so little after all when we set our hearts toward heaven and toward You.  Help us to always have hearts of gratitude for the good you give us in such abundance, even in the little things around us, if we will but look and truly let our eyes SEE.

Give us hearts of compassion to always cast our look and Your love upon all we meet and know.  Give us hearts of forgiveness toward all others as You have forgiven us.  Forgive us when we do wrong, or fail to do good in Your name.  Help us to DO good in Your name at every opportunity; to always have a smile on our face; to always look into others’ eyes straightforwardly to smile at their souls.

We ask all of these things, and thank You for all of these things through Jesus Christ, our Beloved Savior and Your Son, in His Name.  Amen

She was 19 years old and married to a small thin man in his late 30s or early 40s who looked to be twice his age and was crippled up in his left arm from a working accident some years before.  Thus, he was disabled and unable to work any more, at all, although the work he’d done before was just as a laborer.

She had four little girls of her own, although she was just a girl herself.

They were destitute.  They lived in a small shack consisting of three room, with no bathroom, far off the nearest paved road among the tall, matchstick pines.  Being summer, it was swelteringly hot and humid, but they had no air conditioning, of course.  Nor did they have much furniture.  In fact, other than in the kitchen, I recall none.  The three little girls and baby all slept on bare mattresses reeking with the strong odor of urine.  They may have had diapers for the youngest, but the nearest place to do laundry was in town, and that cost money they didn’t have.  Neither did we see any clothes, anywhere.

Their only transportation was an old dilapidated pickup, and it was not there when we arrived.  The doors were wide open, so we went up the flimsy back steps to the kitchen and went in to look around.  We saw a small table with bowls on them, a couple of chairs and some cheap bent spoons.  The small refrigerator’s door did not shut well and it was full of big ants, but very little else.  Ants crawled all across the tiny kitchen, including on the counter, where we found the remains of their pitiful lunch.  Water gravy and water Koolaid, with a bit of sugar in it.  There were no signs of anything else to eat.

We had wanted to see them to visit, but instead we just left the big boxes of food, produce, milk and staples, for them to have when they got home.  We left some small clean clothes, too, for the girls, and took note of what else they needed.  It was a long list, because they needed everything, beginning with a habitable place to live.

We were not only saddened, but sickened at what we saw.  The wretchedness of the place; the poverty.  But, for the moment we had done all we knew to do.

We found out later that the reason they were not “home” was because all of them had driven to nearby Lufkin to the welfare department to try to receive a bit more financial help then what he was getting.  The girl told us that what we saw in their shack was the very last of the food that they had.  The water gravy and Koolaid.  They had nothing else.

When they returned home, completely dejected and hungry, they were overjoyed to find the food we brought.

My friend, a young Christian mother of four, herself, in her 30s, and I – just a married college student, myself, with a little one, David, who was two years old, had driven back into town by then.  I pondered what I had seen and experiences.  I deeply identified with this young girl, as I was expecting a baby soon, and would have two little ones at 21.

We lived in student housing in a small two bedroom apartment that was $67 a month, which we could not afford, either, but we managed the the four married couples’ buildings around our square and that paid our rent.  My husband went to school full time and worked all kinds of odd jobs at night to help with bills, too.  One job, sitting in a chicken house where the incubators were all night long to keep the eggs from burning, paid 33 cents an hour.  It was a miserable job, but we needed the money.

Yet, when I compared my life to hers, and she was a brand new Christian, I felt deeply blessed.

We did not leave them as we found them.  Charlotte, my friend, went back repeatedly to help them and even got the girl a decent paying job in town soon after.  Charlotte made sure she was able to come worship with us and bring her little daughters.  The girl dressed them up as best she could with the hand-me-downs and they looked shiny and sweet.

They are able to move into town and the church helped them greatly.  Their lives improved very much due to the love and care and benevolence of the compassionate Christian community there in Nacogoches.  It was inspiring to me to see true Christianity in action – Jesus love – and the impressions of that girl’s life have stayed with me until now.

This did not happen during the deep Depression of the 1930s.  This happened in 1966, and happens still today in many places all around us here in America, if only we will take the time to really open our eyes and see as Jesus would have us see.

My daughter, who lives in an a far suburb of Dallas told me a few years ago that she did not know any poor people.  (Although she lives out in the country and has trailer homes on both sides of their property.)  I was stunned.  I told her she would find them all around her, even there, if she would just look.  She took my advice, and did.  Since then, she has been involved in ministry with her congregation of Christians and on several mission trips outside this country, even.  We financially supported her in doing those things and have supported her morally and in every way we could to encourage her in her work.

Tom and I live in a very poor area of the south here in Mississippi where people such as the girl in the woods live, as well.  May I ever seek out those I can help in some way – as God’s child – a Christian – and not forget they are all around me too.  To get to our house in the woods, we drive by dozens and dozens of run down trailers and trailer parks that look like junk yards.  They are here.

I hope you will be encouraged today to look more closely around where you live to find someone you can help – in Christ’s name – to show them the love of God and Christ even in their lives!

Many blessings to each of you today.  Dee

Some are family members and some very good friends.  The relationships run together, which is as it “should” be in the life of a Christian, I think.  Don’t you?

I’ve not slept well the past couple of nights after about 2 or 2:30 a.m. or so.  This has been going on for a while about half the time, so I have taken to spending that time until near morning’s first light praying intensely for these ones so dear to me.  Tom and I pray together, as well (in better hours for the both of us!).

God seems to be working mightily in the lives of some of these loved ones I’ve been praying for and for that I am exceedingly happy.  I know, from my own long life, that God DOES answer prayers, and most times, in ways that are beyond my comprehension and “out of the blue” as far as how the details fall together.

One young man who is a dear friend, as if a son, started  a new job today in a place that is brand new to him and different.  I just texted him and told him we pray he is having a good day and that we are thinking of him and praying for him today in his work.  For me, these prayers began about 2 a.m. this morning.

Another dear friend has a big – make that HUGE – weekend coming up this coming weekend and we are praying that God will bless him and show him the way to a better future.

I am – we both – are praying for family members going through strife and difficult circumstances.

Then, there is the world at large, where other Christians we know are suffering from sometimes terrible tragedies, and millions of people hunger and suffer in their daily lives.

How do we pray for these people we do not know personally and come to truly understand their plight?  It seems to me that we do our part by praying for those we know personally and have relationships with and project that to those more distant from us.  God knows our hearts when we turn to Him for answers and in gratitude for the many blessings already received.  As one friend said the other day on his blog, in asking for prayers for he and his family, “God knows the details.”  Yes, my friends, God DOES!!

So, I begin my prayers with gratitude for His love, His Son, His blessings, His goodness, for as I often begin my prayers, all good things in my life – our lives – come from God.

So, for today, if you will – try to remember that one thing.  All good things and goodness in our lives – in this world – come from God and Jesus Christ, His Son.  I think, no matter what is going on in your life, it will be a bit better in remembering this.

Many blessings to each of you today!  Dee

P. S.  Tom is doing better every day and we thank God for this lovely weather we have during his recuperation period.  Yes, God IS good.

Scripture to ponder today:

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”

James 3:17, The King James Version

And, here are some wise words, I think.  Consider these as well:

“To really know a man, observe his behavior with a woman, a flat tire and a child.”

Unknown

What do you think about James’ definition about wisdom from above?  When I think of how so many “Christians” offer only condemnation to others when they have fallen, rather than grace, kindness and the attributes above, I am heartsick.  Would I practice in my life – always – all of the attributes above.

What are your thoughts on the thought for today about how to really know a man?  What do these things make you think of and do you think they are accurate?

Let’s have some good discussion today, dear friends.  I need to hear from you!  Many blessings to each of you today!  Dee

]]> http://deeandrews.net/2010/01/15/interlude-thoughts-scripture-for-today/feed/ 0 http://deeandrews.net/2010/01/07/calmness-serenity-my-words-for-this-year/ http://deeandrews.net/2010/01/07/calmness-serenity-my-words-for-this-year/#comments Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:38:40 +0000 Dee Andrews http://deeandrews.net/?p=2157 [Note:  I'll start back on the Arkansas Memories Tour of 2009 next week.  There are a lot more stories to tell from that tour, the next chapters being all about when "the boys" lived in Cotter, AR.  For today - thoughts on this "new" year.]

Every January I take stock of my life a little differently than most people do, who make resolutions.  I pick out a word for the year by which I want to define my life.

This year’s word is “Calmness” and/or “Serenity.”  As in the Serenity Prayer (see below).  Most of us know the first few lines as AA’s motto, but I doubt that many of you know (1) that Reinhold Neibuhr wrote it, or (2) that there are more lines to the prayer.  Very significant lines, I think.

We all have times of turbulence and turmoil in our lives, and my life is no different.  The past six months of my life have been especially stressful and demanding.  There have been moments when I have had no clue as to what to say or do next and have completely let myself fall apart, I’m afraid.

I’ve determined in my heart to try to remain much more calm and serene this year in the face of all struggles, anger of others, and strife.  I seek wisdom from our Father in all things and pray that He does grant me serenity.  I want to speak in a softer voice, using self-control and patience to bring assurance to all with whom I speak.

Please pray with me that God will help me in these things.  Maybe you can (will, I hope) give me some suggestions about how to carry out this “purpose” in my life.  (Like just talking with y’all, right?!  All of you calm, totally “together” friends, who would never dream of saying anything distressing to me – right?!)

As for you – what word would you most like to have as your guiding force for this year?  And why?  Please share with me today so that I will not feel alone in being the only one who needs to work on such things in my life.

I leave you with the Serenity Prayer, in full:

The Serenity Prayer
	God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen. –Reinhold Niebuhr In loving memory of Fr Bertram Griffin — 1932-2000 Requiescat in Pace
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3, 5-6

Romans 8:38-39

The New International Version

You guys are so patient, I’m tellin’ ya.  Waiting for my next installment of the “Arkansas Memories Tour of 2009 – Day 2:  Gassville (GASS-vul) & Cotter” to be posted.

But, due to circumstances WAY beyond my control (as if I ever had any in this complicated world of ours to begin with), I have been unable to write one as yet.  And, due to the total incompetence of the phlebotomists who last drew my blood for several different blood tests my endocrinologist needed today (but as it turned out, not enough blood) when I went for my three month check up, I have to drive 20 miles south on the interstate from here tomorrow to see her once again.  After having more blood drawn today in her office.

I said a bad word when I found out my trip to her office today was wasted.

The good news is that God is working mightily in my life and in the lives of those dearest to me for His good.  I am thrilled beyond measure.

No matter how hard satan tries to bring us down, if we turn to God and Jesus Christ in prayer, seeking His will in all things, He will hold us close and give us the victory in all things, in His name.

Thanks be to God for His love for us beyond our comprehension or understanding.

Be back as soon as possible with more Arkansas trip adventures . . . and there are many more to come, believe me.

Here’s a peek at what comes next and a question for each of you.  What do you think this building below in Gassville, Arkansas was when the Andrews boys were little kids growing up there and what significance do you think it would have had in their lives – all three of them – with identical problems?

Think about it and give me your best answer below in comment, okay?!  That’s your task for today.

Love ya!  Dee

]]> http://deeandrews.net/2009/12/08/for-i-am-convinced/feed/ 0 http://deeandrews.net/2009/11/10/scudding-clouds-across-the-sky/ http://deeandrews.net/2009/11/10/scudding-clouds-across-the-sky/#comments Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:41:04 +0000 Dee Andrews http://deeandrews.net/?p=2007

This photo of a big spring flowing into the White River below Bull Shoals, Arkansas shows one of the most beautiful places we were in last week on the “Andrews Memories Tour” family reunion/vacation trip.

It does not quite accurately depict what my title above says, which is what I see our my window here (scudding clouds across the sky), but my thoughts are similar.

The remnants of tropical storm Ida for us are mostly wind.  Wind is blowing the dark clouds of the past two days away and God’s sun keeps peeking through.  It is cool this morning and I look out at a scene much like you see across the river here in this photo.

It is calming for me today.  My heart has been troubled with cares of family the past several days and I seek solace and God’s comforting presence to energize me with His grace, wisdom and strength to carry on.  I feel the heavy weights of being in the “middle” generation, trying to help my mom, my siblings, my children, my grandchildren . . . even a sweet little great-granddaughter, Kiley.

Sometimes it seems that crisis and chaos reign.  Even though I know better than that from my many years of experiences as God’s child, my heart still hurts.   I cried many tears last night after I lay in bed for those troubled and hurting around me.  I brought my supplications before my Father and he graced me with a good night’s sleep.

Today shines brighter with both the sun outside and renewal in my strength for this another day that the Lord has made.  I will rejoice and be glad in it.  He will lead me where I need to go and have me do the things I need to do, all with His Spirit within me.

Father, shine Your light on each and every one who reads these words and may they each be blessed.

Love you guys!  Dee

One of the biggest blessings came yesterday about noon when Rebecca called me to tell me she’d had a CT scan early yesterday morning, that the abscess in her right kidney was completely gone and the radiologist took the drain tube out of her kidney that came out on her back, with a tube down her side that had been draining pus for a week and a half.

We all rejoice in this good news for her.

Yet, she has a long way to go, being still on antibiotic and having to take iron tablets three times a day because she is very anemic and they have not yet determined the cause.  She tires very easily and must rest a lot.

Also, there are a couple of major rifts in our family right now that are beyond my comprehension or understanding.  Tom struggles to understand, as well, as he holds me close as I grieve and cry out to God for wisdom to know how best to be His servant to everyone around me, beginning with my children.

Yet, I am strengthened and uplifted  – rested now – by your ongoing prayers for us.  God is the source of my peace as I have spent the past two days here at home alone in silence in a beautiful place of meditation on this earth.

I sat here at my desk yesterday afternoon looking out my long window, open to the cool breezes coming from our front porch and the woods across the road (to the east).  A small nearly black bird with dark gray breast – a kind I have never seen before – came and perched on the edge of the porch just outside my window and sat for the longest time.

He chirped loudly and clearly and I watched him until he flew away, thanking God for sending him to me to consider.  God’s small winged bird that He watches over just as He watches over me.  I felt an overwhelming sense of wonder that God loves me so.

So, I leave you with another song today – and video.  It is Chris Tomlin singing “Amazing Grace,” but with beautiful lyrics and music of his own added that make it even more inspiring.

May God richly bless you each with His peace today in all things, even in times of greatest hardship, as He has me.

Dee

Click here to view the embedded video.