Scripture Reading for May 1, 2008

“A relaxed attitude lengthens a man’s life.”  Proverbs 14:30 (LB)

• Breathe
• Pray
• Be grateful

“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally brothers, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable - if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise - dwell on these things.”  Phillipians 4:6-8

• Give thanks always, when I wake and when I sleep
• Give thanks always, when I fear and when I dream
• Give thanks always, when I am sad and when I am glad

The whole book of Phillipians is wonderful.  But, Chapter 4 has always been one of my favorite chapters.  The complete chapter contains really solid exhortations from Paul to the church to rise above circumstance and in truth and spirit compels them to take courage and be strong in faith and to be happy and content.

The year Mandy was born, we were living with Gramma and Grampa in Laguna Vista and I was working at a local convenience store because it was ‘convenient’ for me to work close to home so I could spend as much time with the children as possible.  During that time of our lives, I was trying to figure out how to create a future for 3 children and myself and so I had enrolled in correspondence school through UT @ Austin.  I was taking an English class and happened upon a small paperback book entitled “84 Charing Cross Road” by (? need to research that!).  I fell in love with the book, the writing and a little bit of life again after reading this book.

Recently, Sarah gave me a free Blockbuster rental coupon and I stopped by the local store a couple of days ago to see if I could find something interesting.  The coupon was for a ‘non new release’ so I wasn’t sure what to rent.  Side thought:  When I go to the library, I always remember books that I’ve read and how they impacted me…so many.  But, I discovered as I was perusing the movies that not many movies I’ve watched have made a lasting impact…at least not enough to want to watch them again.  The ones I do want to watch again, I own or have recorded from TV.  Interesting.  Anyway, as I was scanning the titles, I found ‘84 Charing Cross Road’!!!  Naturally, I chose this one.  I have watched it 3 times this week!  Such good writing, such good acting and memorable dialogue!  A highly recommended movie!

I won’t give away the script except to say that, once again, the effect it has on me is to remind me of hope, remind me that we all struggle through daily life, remind me that joy is free for the taking, sadness comes but we have the strenght and the will to choose to rise above and continue on in spite of and because of our situations.  The movie is a bit bittersweet in its ending but so true of life.  It gives me hope that dreams can come true…the core of your dreams can come true…the outer edges of how they come true will change and change and change.

Which leads me back to the scriptures for today…be anxious for nothing, don’t worry, give thanks and be at peace.

P.S.  These two particular passages are really beautiful if read in the King James Version — very poetic.