Category: Obedience

Posted on in Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Just do it, Obedience, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Surrender, Yield

Forward Day by Day

I have read this quarterly booklet of devotions for many years. Decades even. Since I was about 15 years old, off and then on again. Most of my formation as a Bible learner was made by reading the Scriptures listed in the daily lectionary that Forward D-B-D prints in this tiny booklet.You can subscribe to a print edition or read it for free on-line.

“Forward Day by Day is a booklet of daily inspirational meditations reflecting on a specific Bible passage, chosen from the daily lectionary readings as listed in the Revised Common Lectionary or the Daily Office from the Episcopal Church’s Book of Common Prayer.

Published quarterly, the daily meditations are rich in substance and offer a wide range of witness and experiences. Each month’s meditation is written by a different author.

Inspiring readers since our first issue was published in 1935, Forward Day by Day remains a significant resource for daily prayer and Bible study to more than a half million readers and listeners worldwide.”

You can download the app for Apple products at https://apps.apple.com/us/app/forward-day-by-day/id561455965

They also posted this: Google has removed our Forward Day by Day app from the Google Play Store. Despite our adherence to all terms and long history on the Google Play Store, we are currently unable to satisfy Google’s verification requirements. We have been working for months to appeal this decision and continue to explore how to get the app back into Android users’ hands.

The author for the month of July, 2026 is Tina Francis. Both Bob and I have enjoyed her writing. Her bio reads: Tina Francis is a writer, photographer, and seminarian pursuing the priesthood int eh Episcopal Church. Born to South Indian parents, raise din Dubai, and shaped in Canada and Seattle, she carries many hones in her bones – an atlas of memory and migration.” Such an interesting woman!

Her is her entry for July 20.

Matthew 26:39b My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.

“In Gethsemane, the air is heavy with the scent of bruised grass and the metallic tang of fear. Jesus kneels, hands in the soil as if steadying himself against the weight of what’s coming. The moon spills a cold light over his back. It’s not the absence of faith that drives him to pray like this; it’s the abundance of it. He knows what obedience will cost.

“I have prayed this way. I have my own cups. Not crucifixion, but quiet devastations: the diagnosis that didn’t change, the apology that never came, the joy that slipped through my fingers no matter how tightly I closed them.

“Julian of Norwich wrote, “All shall be well,” but she never promised it would be painless. Surrender tastes less like peace and more like metal on the tongue. Maybe that’s the prayer here – not certainty, but consent: the willingness to let God close the distance between what we want and what will be. To say yes when we do not understand the story, only the storyteller.”

“Not certainty, but consent. To say yes.” I would add say yes, continually.

Posted on in Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Music, Nature, Obedience, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Surrender

Enough?

There are t-shirts and bumper stickers about declaring, “You are enough.” An essential message for those struggling with mental health.

In her devotional Amy Carmichael quoted part of the following hymn this morning.

July 7 "Translated from the old German of Ter Steegen have been in my heart:

Am I not enough, Mine own? enough,
Mine own, for thee?
********
All shalt thou find at last,
Only in Me.

Am I not enough, Mine own, I, forever
and alone, I, needing thee?

YouTube had this rendition


Yes, God is enough to get me through this. God can see you through your difficulties and challenges, too. I am determined to remember the message from the Lord through Ter Steegen that yes, God is enough!

I am weeks away from existing as a human Do-ing; I am more at peace if I rest for now in Be-ing. Christ is enough to help me get through this, but the neighbors and church family have certainly helped! Food Train threatened to become food flood. Flowers and flower bed helpers. Watermelon, soup, an entire meal just dropped at the house. People have come to help me with little chores and putting away my laundry, getting a load of wash started, getting things out of the dryer for me to fold.

Early this morning I saw a buck with two does walk through the neighbor’s yard. A baby bunny appeared out back. Then this afternoon I saw the buck again in a different area. He is a young buck, but a buck indeed. What a blessing! The Lord did not have to let me see that animal. It did cheer me up though! I cannot sit in my prayer chair. It is too low and right now too hard to get out of.

I am reminded there are people who will live the remainder of their lives in wheelchairs. Hopefully, this is just temporary for me. It certainly changes perspective on life. I was sitting in the kitchen one evening and Bob asked me what I was doing. I was thinking how easy it would be to just get up and walk to another room. And then remembered I may not. I want this surgery to be successful. I want the healing to go well. I am working hard to keep my glucose levels even and low. It is tempting though to give in to emotional eating. Not good thinking Molly Lin. As some used to call this, “Stinkin’ thinkin’!” That will get me no place good.

So please continue to lift us and others you know who are not up to their usual activities. We all need grace and all the help we can get. Prayer works. God can provide for us and through us. I will do this well, with God’s help.

Lord, we need Your touch!
Posted on in Book quotes, Faith, Humor, medical treatment, Obedience, Rest

Finished Week 3

Only 5 to go before I go to therapy and get to walk again!

Reviewing Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach, Ph. D.:

P. 82 “We bring alive the spirit of Radical Acceptance when, instead of resisting emotional pain, we are able to say yes to our experience. Pat Rodegast writes, “So walk with your heaviness, saying yes. Yes to the sadness, yes to the whispered longing. Yes to the fear. Love means setting aside walls, fences, and unlocking doors, and saying yes …. One can be in paradise by simply saying yes to this moment.” The instant we agree to feel fear or vulnerability, greed or agitation, we are holding our life with an unconditionally friendly heart.

P. 84 “There are many ways of sending the message of yes to our inner life. We can whisper, “it’s okay” or even a welcoming “Hello” – silently or softly out loud – in response to a painful emotion. Yes might also be an image or a gesture. A friend of mine mentally visualizes herself bringing her palms together and bowing to what has appeared. When she feels the grip of anxiety, anger or guilt, she imagines bowing to it with a sense of genuine respect. I sometimes lightly place my hand on my heart and send a message of acceptance and care to whatever is arising in me.

“Thich Nhat Hanh calls his practice of yes “smile yoga.” He suggests bringing a slight but real smile to our lips many times throughout the day, whether we are meditating or simply stopping for a red light. “A tiny bud of a smile on your lips,” writes Thich Nhat Hanh, “nourishes awareness and calms you miraculously . . . Your smile will bring happiness to you and to those around you.” The power of a smile to open and relax us is confirmed by modern science. The muscles used to make a smile actually send a biochemical message to our nervous system that it is safe to relax the flight, fight or freeze response. A smile is the yes of unconditional friendliness that welcomes experience without fear.”

This book has helped me through many difficult situations in my life. Where she writes Buddha I envision Christ. I must practice Radical Acceptance if I am to endure this seated recovery with any grace at all. I have needed to apply the smile to several situations already. Likely there are more to come!

This looks SO MUCH like my neighbor, Ember, who just turned one. Sadly, I had to miss her party. Her parents did bring her to see me afterwards though.

 I made it to eye doctor appointment. Had my eyes dilated which I abhor. Stayed calm throughout the evening by conscious effort. Next day I was tired from the excursion and effort.

This week I get my stitches out and also see the Internist. Two adventures, woohoo!

 

                   

Posted on in Aging, Collection of Quotes, Faith, Illness and Health, Obedience, Prayer, Rest, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Trust, Yield

Collection to Calm and Bring Joy

A recent quote from the Calm app reads: “We do not need to be fixed. We try to use more force and the key is how to use less force. How to become more efficient rather than more effortful.” wrote Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen.

Can I do that? Just breathe and use less force in seeking change or comfort?

Another quote. The Danish writer Isak Dinesen wrote, “All suffering is bearable if it is seen as part of a story.”

A different experience had me re-imagine, recall if you will, a situation that brought me incredible delight. I remembered how sore my jaws were after smiling so hard on our wedding day.

September, 1970

I was instructed to apply that image when in distress. Molly, recall that joy when TMJ hits. (as part of having Fibromyalgia, temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ) can occur. It is usually short lived, i.e., a day or two.)

Linking TMJ and joy. Worth a try! This page from my Mary Engelbreit calendar expresses it well!

Art by Mary Engelbreit Quote by Manson Cooley

Another quote read, “The most valuable thing we can do for the psyche is let it rest, wander, live in the changing light of a room, not try to be or do anything whatever.” May Sarton

By the time this post is up I will know if a date has been scheduled for my revisionary left foot big toe surgery. Take out steel plate and 6 screws, clean it all up, remove any new arthritis, replace it all. Eight weeks NO WEIGHT BEARING. In other words, sit down, rest, wander in my mind, live in the changing light of a room and not try to go any where except on a knee scooter-roller whatever you call the contraption. Not try to do much of anything.

Doc told me a year ago I need to have it done as it did not heal correctly six years ago. I asked what if I don’t have it done? He said eventually you will not be able to walk. Well, I am having pain and spasms in that foot. Every night I must elevate it and even ice it.

Yep, seeking all the calm and joy I can store up for this adventure!

Not certain which book I was reading but it said, “How often we are headed in the wrong direction, fighting the wrong fight, battling with reality and losing. I thought of the aspects of myself that are like this woman and this man: how I strive over and over again ….”

“I am somewhat dismayed at how often we hang on where we need to let go and give up where we need to persevere.”

Lord my God give me wisdom to let go into your arms. Give me strength and courage to persevere when I feel like giving up. Help me entrust my life to my faithful Creator.

Posted on in Aging, Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Illness and Health, Marriage and Memories, Obedience, Praise, Rest, Spiritual discipline, Surrender, Thanks, Trust

Think on This One

Grateful living is important in the world because in our constant pursuit of more and better we can easily lose sight of the riches that lay right in front of us and within us. Guri Mehta

Are you in a constant pursuit of more and better?
Do you easily lose sight of the riches that are right in front of you?

I can do both of those things. I can be in constant pursuit of more and better, and likely do it with no conscious effort. So soaked in this American culture, asking where is the next great thrill? Where is the next thing I can afford to add to our collection of things? Things we cannot possibly take with us.

What about the things right in front of me? Can I realize there are riches? Not just compared to impoverished countries, but compared to my life decades ago. Yes, there was a time we barely scraped by with the funds Bob earned. We worked and scrimped and saved. Now we are both retired from earning wages and live off what we saved and what he inherited from his parents. Living conscious of our means we seek to not go into debt we cannot repay.

But what about the non-monetary things? The experience of living in close proximity with the neighbors who are both terribly ill makes us more aware of the treasure our love and marriage provide. They have five or six more years of marriage than we do, but in this day and age the longevity of our relationship is nothing to sneeze at. We are blessed.

I have always said, “Divorce is not an option. Murder maybe, but not divorce!” And yes, there are times when we each think of murdering the other. We have not changed each other over this half a century as much as we have adapted to one another. Yet, we are deeply blessed. Grateful living indeed.

As my chronic pain seems to increase and health challenges arise I want to see the life I have as one to be celebrated with gratitude. As evening falls and the physical problems seem to intensify I want to find a way to enter into acceptance of them and rest without trying to do battle. It has been said that we increase our suffering by resisting and wanting things to be different than they are. I know that to be true.

Lord, I need your help to come to the place of rest in all of this. Your remind me in Matthew 11 “Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” Yes, Lord, help me enter into your rest when it comes to evening pain and distress. Help me rejoice in your presence and great promises. I know you have promised to stay with me to the end. Be very present Lord, I pray.

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”Matthew 28:19-20 NRSVUE

Posted on in Art, Challenge, Faith, Joy, Listen, Look, Obedience, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Surrender, Thanks, Yield

Trinity Sunday

Last Sunday we celebrated the Trinity at church. “O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” ends the collect for the day. The unfathomable, unknowable, ever present and loving God. We practice devotion and know some how that the Trinity is one.

Our Prayers of the People began with: “God who is unknowable and yet as close as our breath, help us to see you. ” Yes, God, open our physical eyes and the eyes of our heart to know and see and experience you.

I have been taken lately by tiny diagrams. The above was on our bulletin cover.

Using the Grateful Living challenge I have noticed that a tiny image is used in the corner of each daily practice. This little line drawing summarizes the challenge of the day. Oh I wish I could draw like that!

Superhero
Sharing joy
One playful joyful way to stand up
Share joy with others

And perhaps that is how our Trinity one God does things. Simple line drawings, opening doors for us to share with others. As humans we complicate almost everything having to do with God. Jesus taught us simplicity. Will we cling to that simple way of knowing, being known, loving and loving others?

May you know the Trinity as One. May you see the path before you as well lit and as something you can follow. Look to the One who loves you best and take the next step!

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Challenge, Faith, Just do it, Look, Memories, Nature, Obedience, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Surrender, Trust, Worship, Writing Life, Yield

New Project

My new project entails gathering the object lessons the Lord has given me over the years to encourage me and keep me walking the road laid out before me. I will likely post of few of these during the coming months. The following is entitled “Called At the Beach To Write More.”

How does an object lesson usually come to you? Mine can jump up any time I call upon the Lord for guidance. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
    so I shall be saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:3 NRSVUE

While walking the beach in Florida we were searching for shells. I came upon this one. It is called Sunray Venus Clam.

It reminds me of lined paper. (College ruled is my favorite).

Then I came upon this one.

Atlantic Pen Shell

That got me thinking about ink wells, and fountain pens. Oh my, this was a call to write more!

Then the Lord answered me and said:
Write the vision;
    make it plain on tablets,
    so that a runner may read it. Habakkuk 2:2 NRSVUE

Years ago a cousin older than me gave me the above verse to hold to. I was not certain she heard right. Time has shown she evidently heard exactly right for me!

The shells comprised another confirmation that I am to write and keep telling what God is doing in my life and can do in the lives of others. I keep these shells around to remind me, lest I ever doubt the call again. Or for the times I get just plain lazy about it. Lord, prod me with the shells and forgive me for being lazy, I pray.

Posted on in Art, Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Look, Obedience, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Surrender, Yield

The Veil

Often the veil and the curtain are mentioned in the Scriptures. I have had this on the brain for a couple of weeks. The veil usually refers to the lack of understanding among the Hebrew population regarding the Messiah. The curtain is the fabric that was hung between the courts of the temple and the Holy of Holies where humans, (and only priests) were only to enter once a year, on the day of Atonement.

When Jesus was hung upon the cross, as he died the curtain was torn from top to bottom in the Holy of Holies. Thereby signifying the full access of man to the Father, bought by the blood of Jesus, our sacrifice.

This quote reminded me of that and the need for us to see the value and significance of ‘each other’s human plight.’

My wish, indeed my continuing passion, would be not to point the finger in judgment but to part a curtain, that invisible shadow that falls between people, the veil of indifference to each other’s presence, each other’s wonder, each other’s human plight.

EUDORA WELTY

Jesus parted the veil between people and the Father. Jesus also parts the curtain between us and other humans if we are willing to see with his eyes, the eyes of compassion.

Eudora reminds me that when I point the finger at others there are more fingers pointing back at me.

Searching for this image there were SO many images of our President pointing his finger at others. Sad. “That invisible shadow that falls between people, the veil of indifference to each other’s presence and plight.” I fear this has infected the entire nation at this point.

Lord, may we learn to fold our hands in prayer to you, not pointing at others. Open our eyes and our hearts to the needs of our fellow persons. Break our hearts for what breaks Yours. Help us realize the access for good that you have given us through the sacrifice of Jesus. Use us for the good of others. Amen.

Posted on in Challenge, Faith, Humor, Joy, Obedience, Prayer, Thanks, Traveling

Little Jesus

During Bible study in the room where we do not usually meet I saw a tiny figure of Jesus on a high window sill. I was curious where that came from and who climbed up there to position it.

When we went to the Smoky Mountains the motel we stayed at had the same figures lined up on the computer monitor where we checked in! She told me the story about the man whose idea it was. She said if you read his story online he will send you some for free. I read it, did not find how to get any for free. I did find how to order them from Amazon. I decided, why not?

Recently we went to a liquor store in Northern Kentucky where the selections are much larger than the local stores in Ohio. I put some figures in my pocket.

There was a Banana Pudding man, selling his homemade desserts. I approached him with my hand closed saying, “This is a southern thing.” He put his hand out, palm open saying, ” I’m southern.” I placed the Jesus figure in his palm. I spoke, “We can all use a little Jesus.” He loved it!

When we got to the cash register I told the young man who rang up our order, “I saw your cross.” I gave him one. He turned to his friend as we were walking out and exclaimed with excitement, “Look what she gave me!” His friend took it in his hand and began to walk away with it.

“Hey, that’s mine! Give it back! I’m going to show Susie!!” He was very indignant.

I returned to his register saying, “No need to fight boys. There is enough Jesus to go around.” I gave him 2 more. Now when my computer was letting me type this up it put Hesed in place of Jesus. Yes, there is enough hesed to go around, too! (Hesed: a Hebrew word that encompasses a range of meanings including loving-kindness, mercy, and covenant loyalty, often describing the faithful and generous love that God has for His people and the love that individuals should show to one another. It is not just a feeling but an action that reflects deep commitment and kindness.) Was God using my keyboard there?

In the parking lot was a woman with large cross around her neck. I gave her one saying, “Here is a reminder we all need a little Jesus.” She was enthusiastic about Jesus and told me her Jesus is MUCH larger than this. She declared she needs a lot of Jesus! I assured her my Jesus is much larger than this plastic piece.

Some of you might object to the tiny dolls that say Jesus loves you. I would have to say that anything that sparks this much positive conversation about the Savior is just fine with me.

What have you done lately to share your faith in the Savior? Was it this pleasant for all?

Posted on in Challenge, Faith, Listen, Music, Obedience, Praise, Prayer, Spiritual growth, Thanks, Trust, Yield

Abandoned

This has become to me a perennial song. Perennial typically describes things that are permanent, constant, or repeated. At times I am compelled to sing it. Sometimes multiple times in a row.

Me, too, Lord! I want what these lyrics speak. Here is the video followed by the lyrics (in case you don’t like jumpy words.)

Abandoned

Benjamin William Hastings

Somethin’ isn’t adding up 
This wild exchange You offer us 
I gave my worst, You gave Your blood 
Seems hard to believe 
You’re tellin’ me You chose the Cross? 
You’re tellin’ me I’m worth that much? 
Well, if that’s the measure of Your love 
How else would I sing?

But completely, deeply, sold-out, sincerely abandoned 
I’m completely, freely, hands-to-the-ceiling enamored 
My one-life endeavor to match Your surrender 
To mirror not my will, but Yours 
Oh, I’m completely, deeply, don’t-care-who-sees-me abandoned

Oh, I surrender all

I just can’t get over it 
What kind of self-control is this? 
When You had angels at Your fingertips 
But on the Cross You remained 
And I can’t repay that kind of love 
But I can praise with everything I’ve got 
Since death had all of it’s power robbed 
Then just like the grave

I’m completely, deeply, sold-out, sincerely abandoned 
I’m completely, freely, hands-to-the-ceiling enamored 
Oh, my one-life endeavor to match Your surrender 
To mirror not my will, but Yours 
Oh, I’m completely, deeply, don’t-care-who-sees-me abandoned

Oh, I surrender all 
I surrender all 
I surrender all

The whole of my heart, the best of my soul 
Each phase of my life, each breath in my lungs 
Consider it Yours, Lord 
Consider it Yours, Lord 
The failures I hide, the victories I don’t 
The battles I fight, each crown that I hoard

Consider it Yours, Lord 
Consider it Yours, Lord 
All the glory forever, the grave that You won 
The praise of the Heavens, the kingdom to come 
Oh, consider it Yours, Lord 
Consider it Yours

I’m completely, deeply, sold-out, sincerely abandoned (hey!) 
I’m completely, freely, hands-to-the-ceiling enamored 
Oh, my one-life endeavor to match Your surrender 
To mirror not my will, but Yours 
I’m completely, deeply, don’t-care-who-sees-me abandoned

Oh, I surrender all

No, You’ll never leave me abandoned 
I surrender all

Written by: Cody Carnes, Benjamin William Hastings, Brandon Lake, Christopher Michael Davenport

I had to ask who is Christopher Michael Davenport?

“Grammy-nominated songwriter and worship leader Chris Davenport has been a quiet fixture within worship music for years.

“Through his contributions with UNITED like “Another In The Fire,” “Grace To Grace,” and “Seasons,” as well as collaborations with artists like Phil Wickham (Hymn Of Heaven), Brandon Lake (Too Good To Not Believe), and Cody Carnes (Be Glad), Chris has established himself as a unique, authentic, and influential voice within the worship community.” Now we all know more about him.

Make sure we never abandon God! “My one life endeavor to match your surrender…”