Jots and Tittles and other Random Things

Month of September 2022 - The Spiritual Challenge

My favorite version of Bible is the NIV or New International Version.

Week 35: Help: Galatians 6: 1 & 2

God's family is a support system. What a gift it is to be carried by so many through life's ups and downs

Challenge 1: I've had help from my spiritual family on and off for many years. Dealing with the break-up of my marriage, Being mad at God, losing (and finding) my children, Losing a sister to cancer, and now my current health speedbump. I've found solace in God's word when I wasn't mad at Him, and my church family has been supportive and has used correction to steer me onto the right path. Now, God has sent me to Writing.Com, and I've found another "spiritual family" that I can share with and pray with, and sometimes even just vent. I want to be able to "pay it forward" any way that I can.

Challenge 2: This summer has been a real trial. I've been hospitalized, not able to work, and of course, no disability to tie me over... This means bill collectors have me on speed dial, it seems . But everyone here has been gracious, and encouraging in their support of my ramblings, and venting through poetry and writing. Y'all have been a GodSend to me...and I will never be able to express my gratitude. I just want to be able to help someone out, as I have been helped. My family, especially my kids, have been supportive - literally and figuratively, but having Spiritual guidance is an extra blessing .

Challenge 3: I try to help others by talking to them, and by praying (no professional, but a willing spirit). I take things to heart, and I am happy to talk to others, and am working on getting to know the Bible better (until then, thank goodness there's Google ). I am reading Dave Ramsey series on finances, and plan on putting them into practice once I get back to work.

---------------------------------------------------

Week 36:Friends: Proverbs 17:17
Who is your time of friend need? The one who's been with you through the valleys? Maybe you have more than one. Those people, those friends, are gifts. They didn't come into your life accidentally. Be thankful to God for every single one.


Challenge 1:I would have to say, my friend Karen, was my "time of need" friend back in 1999. My then 7-year-old was diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma. A tumor had wrapped around one of her kidneys and basically killed it. Thankfully, the doctors got it before it could spread, and she only lost the one kidney. It was a dark time, as I was also going through a divorce. I was angry with God about it all; but Karen put up with me and my darkness. She prayed, listened, and encouraged. I know God brought her to me at that time for that purpose.

Challenge 2:Oh gosh, this is going to take a hot minute: LOL I have been encouraged by SO many people here on WdC...This is NOT an all inclusive list...Jay O'Toole Sunny Schnujo's Doing NaNoWriMo? Lilli 🧿 ☕ Nixie🦊 Prosperous Snow celebrating LeJenD' Lornda Positive Panda , etc....
I am grateful to my former pastors, and friends, Gregory and Cherie Trumbach, Greg & Sandy, Patrick & Katrina, Jeffery Marshall, Pamela Levy. What can I say? All of the above have encouraged me, let me "chew on their ear(s). Offered counsel, (and discipline) when necessary. They have prayed for me, cheered me on, and let me know they care. God has blessed me with some WONDERFUL people in my life.

---------------------------------------------------


Week 37: Food To Eat: Genesis 9:3Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.

Challenge 1: Phillipians 4:12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
I guess it depends on your point of view: Physically, food-wise I have plenty. I have a roof over my head and I am safe. Money-wise, I haven't gone without things needed, however, I still have bills to pay and get caught back up on once I am able to go back to work. Even working as a carn-y one summer, I didn't go without. God has been good to me, better than I deserve for sure!

Challenge 2:
Write about your favorite food or drink -- can you treat yourself to something today? As you do, give thanks to God, who so often goes beyond your needs to supply your desires.
My favorite things...Oh, heavens Mostly sweets, as I have an incredible sweet-tooth. (might also be the reason I am a diabetic Right now, as I write, I've had a couple of LifeSavers Wintergreen candies. I have a NEW word in my vocabulary: MODERATION Kinda sucks, but I've actually made a little headway with my A1c (6.8) so I may be doing something right...LOL

------------------------------------------------------

Week 38:Clothes To Wear: Matthew 6:30

Challenge 1: What's your favorite piece of clothing you own? Why do you like it?

I guess my favorite thing to wear is my pajamas. Not only are they comfy, but easy to get in and out of. This is a blessing, as I am transitioning from a "homebound" person, to getting back into the real world. I just like my comfort clothing, and it is modest, so I don't have to worry about traumatizing the kids...LOL

Challenge 2: Write a prayer of thanks for the clothes you own, however, outdated or worn out they might be.
God, I thank you for the clothes that I do own. There are so many people who don't have even the basics. What right do I have to complain? You've blessed me with so much.

Challenge 3: Look around your home today. What other gifts has God provided?
I have a comfy bed to snooze in. I have a computer that I can use to write, play games, keep up with happenings. I have access to a kitchen with plenty to eat. Washer/Dryer...So many things...It makes one stop and think. God cares about even the smallest detail of our lives. Matthew 5:26-27 (NIV) "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? (27) Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?