The Conchshell Chronicles - Our Newsletter

As I drive to work each morning, I have a plan for what I need to accomplish for that day, where it is roasting coffee, leading one of our Bible study groups, repairing a piece of equipment, printing labels and signage, paying bills, or writing newsletters. What changes everything is when I pause in my thoughts and say simply “Lord this is your day. Please let it goes as you plan, and give me specific directions so that I can do the things you want me to do. Use me to make a difference in the lives of those you place across my path today.”

Once I make that declaration and request, the day is His, and the pressure is off for me to perform. Actually the flow becomes more pleasant and ultimately effective as I pay attention to His cues in each situation.

Tis the Season to be jolly”…..            

Photo: Laura at the ancient hot spirngs pools at Heiropolis                

A daily  reminder for me because I understand that it is a privilege to have breath and life. Life is given to us as a gift and at any given moment it can be  taken away.  I have watched it come and go with loved ones near and far.  We have shared with you some of our losses of dear ones which we are currently grieving a few.

We are all designed differently and uniquely  by a  Creator God who loves us and has designed us to complete our time here on earth with a definitive purpose and divine satisfaction.  I have practiced living in the surf and sea of God wanting to involve His Spirit in my personal life and affairs on a daily basis and it has been a divinely inspired wave that has been the best one to ride. 

Whenever God has broken into my existence, Everything changes.  From my inner reality in my heart to the outward circumstances in my life.

One of the iconic songs of my youth was Don McLean’s “American Pie” which was a lyrical commentary on the music and political scene of the 1960’s. References were made to John F. Kennedy, Buddy Holly, Mick Jagger and “the three men I admire the most, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, who caught the last train to the coast, the day the music died.”

There is a line from the song that has been echoing in my mind all week:

“But February made me quiver, with every paper I delivered.

Bad news on the doorstep, I couldn’t take one more step.” 

I try to make my first reading of each day be from the Bible, and specifically from the book of Proverbs. Then I wander through the news. Indeed, its bad news on the doorstep, which is a reference to the morning newspaper being thrown by that faithful paperboy tossing that rubberbanded rolled up newspaper from a moving bike with amazing accuracy onto the front porch. My brother and I became proficient in this skill during our paper route days in Texas.

The year 2020 brought with it much blurriness in our world at large…..A great deal of confusion, evil plotting, distractions, changes , fears, uncertainties, financial chaos, ruin, anger, loneliness and depression for many.

REFOCUS, RETHINKING AND REMEMBERING were antidotes for my heart, mind and soul.  I brought every area of my Life before the Great Throne of the BIG E. His EXCELLENCY WAS AND IS MY MAJOR FOCUS because I if I didn’t establish and practice my focus upon my only stable FORCE in this world, I would lose the battle that was raging all around me. And rage it did and continues to do so.

I continue to stand firm in my 20/20 upon My EXCELLENCY of Life-giving Love, grace and peace.  I practice with great care my Focus on the One True God who is in control and not surprised by one thing that occurs or will occur.  He knows, cares and Is the only One that can do anything and everything about it.  I rest in Him.