"5 Small Things Friday" No. 48

Go back and read this post for the story behind "Five Small Things Friday".

For this week, here is my list:

1. Sight:

 2. Hearing:

3. Smell: Fresh-Picked Fresh-Sliced Okra

4. Taste:

5. Touch:

The stories behind the list:

1.

2.

3. We've got okra growing like crazy in our garden right now, and Mom's been slicing it and freezing it by the bag full for bake-frying later (our recipe is a little different than the one the link goes to). The smell of fresh-picked, fresh-sliced okra is such a clean, country, rich smell.

4.

5.

A Few Thoughts On Life

"Life is full of light and shadow." Life is a journey. There will be darkness, battles, temptation bigger than one's self, and times so heart-rending that there seems to be absolutely no hope. And yet the strongest courage is forged in the hottest fires; and though there may be many losses, the deepest darkness comes just before the sun's rising.

"Fear no darkness." Above the blackest clouds, the sun gathers strength to break forth with it's glory.

When the air is free from smoke, confusing mists, and the awful stench of battle and death, when the trees are leafing out and the grass is green and thick, when the sunrise is glorious in scarlet and purple-blue and the clouds are fluffy and guilded with gold, when the air is sweet with the fresh cool breeze of the free lands, then is the time to rest. To soak up the brilliant blue of the sky, the purest perfume of the roadside flowers, and to seek out the faithful companions of youth and bravery.
But above all these things, forget not the One Who gives them, the One Who sends the breeze and Who is the Sonshine. The One Who strengthens the sword-arm of His warriors, and Who decides the fate of all Kings. For if you live not - if you fight not - for Him, you live and fight in vain. He is God. He is Good.

Good always wins out in the end. So it has been since the beginning of time, and so it will be at the End.

S.O.A.P. Journaling - Romans 1:1-2:16

Date: Aug. 2012
Passage: Romans 1:1

Scripture:
"Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God," verse 1

Observation:
The apostle Paul is writing what is considered by many to be his greatest work, a book of practical exhortation, theology, and probably the most systematic presentaion of doctrine in the Bible. He writes to the Roman Christians in a fascinating style, balancing encouragement and exhortation, serious warning, biting sarcasm, quick wit, and a passionate, undeniable love and concern for his readers.

He starts out by identifying himself. His name (Paul). It's almost as if that is enough information for his readers, that they will immediately know who he is, and therefore, what he stands for, and the point of view he's coming from.
But before he hits them with the full force of his message, he takes the time to clarify his job (a servant of Jesus Christ), and the importance of his comission (an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God), just in case there is someone reading who may not know him, or who needs to be reminded why he is so passionate.

Application:
When others hear or read my name, what immediately comes to mind?
What kind of character, standards, and personality do those who know me think of automatically? Is my name/witness strong enough that I don't really have to explain who I am, but when someone who knows me encounters "Kyrie", immediately a person with incredible love and passion for the Lord, His Word, His people, and His work comes to mind?

Prayer:
"Oh Father, help me to live in such a way that people know my name and think of You because of what they know about me. Help me be so strong in my stand and love and life for You that others know my character and think of it when they encounter my name."

"5 Small Things Friday" No. 44

Go back and read this post for the story behind "Five Small Things Friday".

For this week, here is my list:

1. Sight:

2. Hearing: "The Desert Song"

3. Smell: Trissy's Car

4. Taste: Oatmeal Cookie Dough

5. Touch: Holding Maxwell

The stories behind the list:

1.

2. Archer brought a new song to Tuesday night practice for us to learn. It's called "The Desert Song", and I think he, and maybe Law, were the only ones who knew it. But it touched me - the tune was beautiful and the words reflected so well the reaction believers in Christ should have, no matter what they are going through. Just a bit of encouragement as I struggle with the difficulty of being patient and content through the discouragements going on at the church right now.
Here are the words:

"This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides

This is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames

I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

This is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

Bridge:
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow"

3. Well, Dad and Mom got Trissy a car for her birthday. It was quite a surprise, even to me! It's a white Chevy Empala. It's used, in nice condition, and when I got in to check it out, it had that wonderful 'new car' smell!

4. Mom wanted me to make oatmeal cookies this week. Oatmeal cookie dough has got to be one of the best foods in the world ;D !

5. Sunday afternoon (we had an afternoon service instead of a night one, since it was 5th Sunday) there was a men's meeting after church. Bro. Dennis and Mrs. Carrie and Maxwell weren't there Sunday morning because Bro. Dennis was singing with a group at another church, but while Mrs. Carrie was waiting on Bro. Dennis to get out of the meeting, Trissy and I got to have a nice visit with her and hold Maxwell for a little while. He is so laid back and easy-going! It had been forever since I'd gotten to hold him and he is getting so big too!