Tag Archives: Faith

Maybe…Not

30 Nov

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

A week has passed since we celebrated Thanksgiving. I hope that it was a special day for each one of you. Our celebration has changed with the years, beloved parents passed on, children are grown and even the grands are grown. No great-grands as of yet to add excitement to the gathering. Still, it was a good day, we have almost finished off the leftover casseroles and dessert is long gone. The turkey was repurposed into a lemon-turkey soup. Very tasty.

I’ve been thinking about two words of late, maybe and hopefully and how best to use them. Maybe seems to carry a positive and negative vibe, whereas hopefully seems all positive.

For example. since we have health challenges, we could say maybe tomorrow will be better. But that indicates a 50-50 chance of being better, leaving room for doubt. When I say hopefully tomorrow will be better, I see tomorrow in a positive light.

Of course maybe can mean simply maybe. As in, maybe I will go the store today. No emotion involved.

My obsession with the two words may seem well, obsessive, but I think word choices matter. They matter whether they are voiced or thought. For me being hopeful makes life sweeter.

Each year I choose a focus verse for my digital prayer journal. I like to create a headline graphic so that it captures my attention as soon as I open the journal. This year focused on hope. Maybe that accounts for my obsession with the two words, maybe and hope.

I love this song. Family get togethers almost always involved guitars and singing. Precious memories.

I'm a winner

After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience.  Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites,  Judy Wills, Louise Gibson( Now in Glory), Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix

My 2023 goal is continue to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media.

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The God Who Answers

28 Nov

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Psalm

65:1-4

You are the God who answers prayer,

All of humanity comes before you 

With their requests.

Though we are overcome by our many sins,

Your sacrifice covers over them all.

And your priestly loves, those you’ve chosen,

Will be greatly favored to be brought close to you.

What inexpressible joys are theirs!

What feasts of mercy fill them in

Your heavenly sanctuary!

How satisfied we will be just to be near you!

Photo Credit:Pixabay

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

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Surrender Your Anxiety

20 Nov

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Psalms :46-10

Surrender your anxiety! 

Be silent and stop your striving.

And you will see that I am God.

I am the God above all the nations,

And I will be exalted throughout the 

Whole earth.

Here he stands!

The Commander!

The mighty Lord of Angel Armies is

On our side!

Photo Credit: Pixabay

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

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The Light of Revelation

13 Nov

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Psalm 36:9-12

In your light, we receive the light of revelation.

Lord, keep pouring out your unfailing love

On those who are near you.

Release more of your blessings to those who are loyal to you.

37:3– Keep trusting the Lord and do what is right in his eyes.

Fix your heart on the promises of God, and you will be secure,

Feasting on his faithfulness.

Make God the utmost delight and Pleasure of your life,

And he will provide for you what you desire the most.

Photo Credit:Pixabay

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

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Thanksgiving in Virginia

12 Nov

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

Reblog from 2019

I wrote this for Thanksgiving 2019.  Since November is Thanksgiving “month,” I would like to present it again.

In previous musings, I mentioned that in 1983 we left Heidelberg, West Germany, and rotated back to the United States.  Fred’s next assignment was to be at Langley AFB, in Hampton, Virginia.  We looked at lots of houses before settling on a house in the “woods” of Seaford, Virginia.  It was about 13 miles from Langley, but Fred didn’t mind the drive, and the schools in York County were top-notch.

Our house in the “woods” of Seaford

We soon joined the local Southern Baptist Church – Seaford Baptist Church, and began our time there, not expecting our time to be longer than the usual three-year tour.  But God had other plans for us, and we stayed there nearly 13 years.

1991 – Seaford Baptist Church – old sanctuary (far left), classrooms, new sanctuary (right)

As the first Thanksgiving arrived, we were pleased to find that Seaford Baptist Church had a Thanksgiving tradition with Zion United Methodist Church, also in Seaford.  That tradition started years before we arrived on the scene.  

Zion United Methodist Church, Seaford, VA 

Credit Google Search and Zion United Methodist website

On the Wednesday evening before each Thanksgiving Day, there was a trade-off.  If the joint services were held in the Baptist church, then the pastor of the Methodist church gave the Thanksgiving message.  The Baptists hosted the service, the Baptist ladies furnished the after-service desserts, and the Baptist church choir sang the special music. 

The following year, the services were held in the Methodist church and the Baptist pastor gave the message.  The Methodist ladies furnished the after-service desserts, and the Methodist choir sang the special music.  It was a wonderful time – and the shared messages and fellowship time gave us opportunities to meet our Seaford neighbors, and worship together.  That’s the way I believe God intends us to do.

We’ve been away from Virginia these 25+ years, so we aren’t sure whether or not this tradition has continued.  We only hope it has.  It was a wonderful tradition.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Fred and I wish you all the very best of Thanksgiving this year – and the blessing of thanks-giving to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Credit Pixabay

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

  Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson and a great-granddaughter. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

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Praising our Way out of Difficulties into God’s List

6 Nov

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Palm of David 34:6-8

When I had nothing, desperate and defeated,

I cried out to the Lord, and he heard me,

Bringing his miracle-deliverance

When I needed it most.

The angel of the Lord stooped down

To listen as I prayed,

Encircling me, empowering me, and 

Showing me how to escape.

He will do this for everyone who fears God. 

Drink deeply of the pleasures of this God.

Experience for yourself the joyous mercies he gives

To all who turn to hide themselves in him.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

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November

5 Nov

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

Photo Credit Google Search

Well well well – November is upon us again.  It’s time to pack away the Halloween things for another year.

We don’t decorate much for Halloween – not like our neighbors do.  But that’s okay.  I grew up doing “Trick or Treat” around our neighborhood, and never thought anything about it, except how much fun my friends and I were having.  There are many people today who are totally and completely against Halloween.  I’m not opposed to it, and some fellow Christians will question how that can be when I am a professing believer.  But there it is – it is a personal choice.  I don’t go beyond just having a good time costuming up and enjoying time with my friends.

In any case, about the only decorating we do is this little “witch” that I found in Cracker Barrel some years ago, and I thought was cute.

I’m not exactly sure what should go on top of her, but I put this happy pumpkin head that has a small light bulb inside.  I like the entire look that it has, and have had several people comment on how they like it.

When September and Fall arrives, I usually change out my flag wreath on the front door for this Fall wreath.  It’s not terribly elaborate, but that’s okay…we like it.

However, now that November is here, it’s time to think about Thanksgiving.  And so I will change out my Fall wreath for my Pilgrim, and he will stay all month.  I really enjoy this guy.

I saw the following statement on facebook recently, and agree with it completely.  It’s a shame that we have to remind ourselves that we need to take time to be thankful – for just everything.  God is so very good and gracious and giving and loving and…..I can’t even begin to think of all the wonderful things God has done for/given to us.  That shames me.  And so I try to be sure and thank my God every day for His glorious mercy and grace and generosity to me and my family.

Credit Google Search and facebook

I’ve seen some friends on facebook who are doing a “31 days of thankfulness” – posting something different they are thankful for each day.  Sounds like a great thing to do.  It also reminds us to be thankful in all things.

And that brings up another point – being thankful in all things – no matter what the situation.  Some friends and we were recently discussing the fact that “no matter what our situation, or think our situation is – someone is ALWAYS worse off than we are.”  Tends to make me not want to complain about my aches and pains!  And so…Thanks be to God – I am so much better off than I think I am.

…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

  Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson and a great-granddaughter. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

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He Healed Me

30 Oct

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Psalms 30

Lord, I will exalt you and lift you high,

For you have lifted me up on high!

You made me triumph.

O Lord, my healing God,

I cried out for a miracle, and you healed me!

You brought me back from the brink of death,

From the depths below.

Now, here I am, alive and well, fully restored!

Photo Credit:Pixabay

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

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Fearless Faith

23 Oct

My Take

DiVoran Lites

PS 27:14  

Here’s what I have learned through it all;

Don’t give up don’t be impatient,

Be entwined as one with the Lord.

Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope.

Yes, keep on waiting. He will never disappoint you!

Photo Credit:Pixabay

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

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Whom Shall I Fear

16 Oct

My Take

DiVoran Lites

The Lord is my light and my salvation 

Whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life

Of whom shall I be afraid?

Photo Credit: Pixabay

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

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