"Trey Tuesday" - September 29, 2015

Free Coffee

National Coffee Day today!  :)

How many of us were able to function a little better today just knowing a free cup of coffee was around the corner?  Maybe you didn't even take advantage of the offer, but still you knew it was there if you "needed" it!  :)

Do you feel the same way about your friends or family?  You don't see them that often, but you know they are near, or would come near, if you needed them?

Well, today, actually every day, is National Friends and Family Day!  You can visit, call, text, email your family and friends for free!  :)  Today and every day!

What are you waiting for? 

"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."  Romans 12:10

"Trey Tuesday" - September 22, 2015

Gifts

Donald Trump's comb over hairdo is an example of an icon....but let's dig a little deeper....

Trey, grandparents and the Pope.  Now there is a list of meaningful icons!

Webster offers synonyms of "icon" such as image, emblem or symbol

A dear, former neighbor just passed away after living a long, fruitful, loving life.  He was an icon in our neighborhood growing up and every time we visited in adulthood.  I won't see him anymore, but every time I drive past his house, I will still vividly and fondly "see" him/remember him working in his yard or walking on his driveway.

Some of you may get to see the Pope in person this week - even from a distance.  A lot of preparation has gone into your arrangements.  Why?  The Pope is an icon.  He represents love, leadership, and wisdom like a father; like our Heavenly Father.

Trey - just saying his name floods my heart and mind with memories and images of times loving life and playing together closely.  Trey's photo sits front and center on my computer.  Why?  So I don't forget him?  Never!  I keep his photo there to remind me of the good old days, to celebrate all that God allowed us to enjoy together!  Trey - four little letters symbolizing one large life!  :)

Icons are gifts.  Precious, priceless gifts.  Remember them.  Treasure them.

And thank God for them.

"I thank my God every time I remember you."  Philippians 1:3

"Trey Tuesday" - September 15, 2015

Lion and Tigers and Bears, oh My!

OK, not lions and tigers, but 2 black bears walked very slowly across the road in front of my car this morning!  They were so precious and so beautiful!  Yes, I know bears can wreak havoc but God allowed me to see the gentle side of them today.

In our hearts and minds we remember Trey as a sweet, innocent child...vulnerable, tender and adorable, and we choose to overlook the times that Trey's behavior/charm could wreak havoc in his family's life!

You know, God commands us to love one another.  "Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister."  I John 4:21  Everyone.  Must.  All the time.  But what actually happens?  We imagine the sweet tender side of the nice people, but for others, the havoc wreakers, we only recall the negative side.

What if we all begin to see each other through God's goggles of love?  Angry boss?  No problem - just envision him swinging on the swings like a little child!  :)  Meddling in laws?  Look for the silver lining in each one of them.  Nosy neighbors?  Just picture them as cute little puppies looking for some attention!  :)  *Disclaimer:  I have NONE of these situations in my life!  :)

So through the love and power of God, take captive all the thoughts of the lions and tigers and bears in your life and consider them as precious!  :)

"Above all, love each other deeply"  I John 4:18

"Trey Tuesday" - September 8, 2015

Always in All Ways

Pretend that it's the first thing in the morning tomorrow.  Can you imagine just walking past everyone in your life?  Ignoring your spouse, parent, child, teacher, or boss!?!  We would never consider making such a rude move!  Certain people (your boss or parent) would not tolerate this habit.  There would be consequences! Others wouldn't understand it and they would insist on your attention!  (A certain Young warrior was especially efficient in this department!) :)

God wants your attention.  He longs to be with you, for you to share your thoughts, your fears, your plans for the day with Him.  Scripture tells us to acknowledge God in all our ways.  How do you do that?  Imagine your good friend, cousin or neighbor is in the room with you.  How would you acknowledge him/her?  Say, "Hi!"  Touch base. Share your life.  Read God's Word for His reply. Try it!  Acknowledge God all throughout your day....every day!

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."  Proverbs 3:5,6

"Trey Tuesday" - September 1, 2015

Leaning

The construction of the Leaning Tower of Pisa began in August 1173.

No wonder the old girl has a little lean to her!

I began leaning early in life.  First I leaned on my parents and siblings.  Then I leaned on my friends.  Finally, I decided to lean on the only Super Structure which will never crumble, fade or age.  God is using the phrase, "Lean on me," in different areas of my life lately.  Advice from prayer partners, devotionals, songs...you hear the message loud and clear when it comes at you from so many directions.

But in a moment of sadness, anger, grief, anxiety, or fear, what does it mean to lean on the Lord?  Remember the Trust Fall from junior high?  When someone stood behind you and "promised" to catch you when you leaned back on him/her - only to drop you....by design or default?

God's not like that.  He will never ever drop you.  He can't.  He knows you and loves you way too much!

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

The memories of Trey's battle are vivid every time I see one of the gold ribbons of awareness......I've got some more leaning to do....

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;

my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,

my shield and the horn of my salvation.

He is my stronghold, my refuge and my Savior—"  2 Samuel 22:2,3