The Side Porch

Good Morning!

The weather yesterday was gorgeous – cool and breezy. I had a lot of fun playing a round of golf – though my score was about the same as always. God really blessed me with such a good day. I came home and Miss N had the windows open and the breeze was drifting through the house – giving us that natural crispness that only God can supply. The breeze reminded me of Grandma’s side porch where we spent our summers. After dinner the whole household – Grandma, Cud’n Kate, Aunt Mae, Cud’n Anne and Mom – would occupy the chairs while us kids would glide on the glider, enjoying the evening until darkness fell. Good memories…

During the summer, my cousins would make the long trip from the country (Smyrna) and spend a week or two with Grandma. My cousin Leslie was the organizer of the evening entertainment. The side porch became our stage – a place to perform for our elders who were always gracious in their applause.

The verse of the day yesterday was:

Romans 12:2 (English Standard Version)
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

This verse immediately follows Paul’s strong encouragement to us to present ourselves as a living sacrifice to God. In order for us to become a sacrifice we must change our thinking. So Paul encourages us to be transformed by renewing our mind. What does that mean? Well, the world’s prescription for happiness is to get everything we can for ourselves. One only has to view our current economic crisis to understand where “me first – me only” thinking gets us. Paul doesn’t want us to conform to this way of thinking. He wants us to develop the mindset of God who is constantly concerned about all of His creation. When I was growing up, I was taught an acrostic for the word JOY.

Jesus
Others
Yourself

As simple as the acrostic is, it really puts into perspective the mindset that we as Christians should have. As our mind is transformed, we begin to see God’s direction for us. And that makes life exciting. But to get there, we must first let go of the reins and let God take control.

Well, the weekend is upon us. My granddaughter Sarabeth is having a birthday party Saturday. Both Mawmaw and I would love to attend but I don’t think Miss N is up to the trip this weekend. So we will wish Miss Sarabeth a happy eighth birthday from afar.

Great Fall weather… Good memories … A new direction … Have a great weekend! God bless you and keep you all the weekend along.

Agape’


Mr. Jim