Notifications

Hello Friends,

I recently had a mishap with my phone.  I’m easily distracted and went into my hot tub with my phone in my pocket. Forgetting that small (big!) fact, I asked my grandkids if they’d seen my phone.

We looked around and I figured I must had left the phone inside the house, so I relaxed and put my hands down beside my legs.  I felt my phone in my pocket and jumped up quickly. I ran into the house to check my phone. I felt so bad that I forgot about my phone in my swimsuit pocket. UGH!

Long story, but I did have a spare phone and with help from family, I was able to be functional again.  I don’t have a landline anymore, so my phone is an important part of my communication.

Speaking of communication, I had to reset a lot of my notification settings on this spare phone which now became my primary phone.  I’m sure everyone gets pinged about news, texts, emails, etc.  It’s too much really.  Over the years, I have prioritized which notices are immediate and which ones can wait.

I’d rather spend my time noticing the wonder around me. It’s everywhere, especially since we’ve entered the season of spring.  There’s something about all the fresh plant life and tree growth that makes my heart happy.  The birds entertain me with their dances.  Fresh produce will soon show up in the farmers’ markets.

It’s a perfect time for reflection and hope.  In the Bible, we note that hope and wait mean the same thing.  We have to wait sometimes for the thing for which we hoped.

When my great grandson turned three a while ago, I attended his party at the park. The family friends who I’ve watched since birth, keep growing and changing.  I Notice their energy and love for fun.  I Notice how much better food tastes at a party, like frito pie and cake!  Yum.

I Notice that my grandkids are almost as tall as me and their personalities flourish as their world expands.  Their insights are refreshing and loving.  What a delight to see them mature!  I Notice their love for their Grammy and its medicine for the heart.  🩷🌺💜

As you know, my faith walk is so important to me.  I study multiple areas of the Bible in any given week.  I say that not to brag, but to share that The Word gives me insight about grace, gentleness, and generosity.  I want to notice the natural world, but more importantly, the spiritual nudges and messages meant to mature me.  I’m a forever student in God’s Word.

I attended a Christian Women’s Conference about a week ago. The live music inspired me and the messages challenged me.  You may remember that I sing ALTO in two choirs for my church family.  At the conference, a familiar worship song was played by the live band, and I naturally sang the ALTO part.  As my eyes were closed and my hands lifted to the Lord, I felt a gentle whisper, “Keep Jesus as the melody.”  I cried as I usually do when the Lord touches my soul with a message.  I kept the experience to myself for a few days. It was so precious; it still is…

Finally, I realized that I am called to share my journey of faith, so with this blog post, I’ve shared it with you.  In the stillness of music (a paradox I love), God blessed me with a notification.  “Keep Jesus as the Melody.”

Unlike my iPhone, I want the settings for God messages to be on ALWAYS.  Flash it on the screen, ping me, buzz my phone. Write it in the sky??? Yes!

But how often we are able to quiet our minds to receive God’s Notifications?  It’s a lesson I have to learn again and again.  Right?  You, too?

… Lord, keep me in a place of noticing both Your work and messages in my life, and the love letter of forgiveness and grace in the Bible.  Lead me to the place of surrender so that I live in thankfulness, courage, and love, no matter the circumstances in my world.  Forgive my shortcomings.  I know You’re always with me. Thank you, Lord.

Amen and amen.

MT Penny