~ Cale
https://lindaghill.com/2026/04/22/one-liner-wednesday-decisions-decisions-2/
Badge by Laura @ riddlefromthemiddle.com
When I first got “saved” I had only one urgent motive: Avoid Hell.
Then came “wandering years”. And many years of trying to be “worthy” of Christ’s sacrifice, falling short, giving up, trying harder. If you haven’t noticed–it’s very difficult to do much in life, in your own strength. That’s why followers of Jesus are given the gift of His Holy Spirit within us–to HELP.
After 2011’s ephiphany I began reading the Bible with genuine interest, and choosing church leaders who were also good Bible teachers. Before long I was an eager tither, and more focused during the Lenten and Advent seasons. And I was doing my best in areas where I had at least some recognizable gift for service: cooking for neighbors, talking about my faith in a “non-preachy” manner, being an Encourager (a surprise to me, so well-acquainted with Depression).
Soon the Bible became The Greatest Adventure story–with real people, and lessons God taught them…for our benefit. There was much to learn! It took awhile for me to catch the revelation that Jesus isn’t just my Savior–God intended that He be Lord of my life…the BOSS. That was tricky, I admit…I’m a control-freak.
There’s lots more I’m working on–partnered with the Lord. The critical “judge-y” stuff is still being weeded out–and I need to ASK for wisdom and discernment often, and LISTEN for His voice…to avoid misunderstanding His directions.
Being a servant isn’t always easy. There are boundaries–which does NOT mean choosing to serve only people I like…who are “nice”, grateful, and reciprocate. I am bound to serve “as unto the Lord”–any whosoever He puts in my path…an arrogant narcissist, a thief and liar, or someone who said mean things about me yesterday and lacks compassion. Unless these are habitual offenders, I’m expected to forgive and afford them God’s grace–a chance to receive from Him, through me.
I became a gung-ho “giver”, it’s FUN to be generous! But there can be pitfalls…people may assume you are “God’s ATM”. Sometimes Jesus repeats this phrase to keep me from further debt: “Just this, and no more”.
Maturity is a journey–I’m ever grateful for the Lord’s patience–it’s not in Him to give up on me.
Walking with Him is so hugely Good. My second reason for being a Christian, once Hell was off the table: I was desperate for unconditional love. Growing up unloved is Hard. Even now, when the Lord does something beyond amazing for me–and I’m thanking and praising Him all over the place because I still can’t believe it’s true–He looks at me and asks, “why do you always think the last good thing I did for you, is the LAST one?”
Give that a ponder, won’t you? It’s about His endlessly expansive Love. And, if you’re one who thinks you can get along okay without Him…I hope you have a praying friend or family member–because we never know what’s around the next corner. I’m not preaching, just sayin’.😊
At the end of the post there’s something Wonderful! ~ Cale
1 Peter 4:11
If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
Amplified Bible
Please, O Lord, let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and the prayer of Your servants who delight to [reverently] fear Your Name [Your essence, Your nature, Your attributes, with awe]; and make Your servant successful this day ~ Neh 1:11
Lamsa Bible
And serve well with your whole soul, with love, as to our LORD, and not to men. Eph 6:7
7Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does. Berean Standard Bible Eph 6:7-8
Serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you. I Chron 28:9
2 Corinthians 8:12
For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.
Matthew 25:40
And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’
1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Ex 29:43
https://misky.uk/2026/04/16/ten-things-of-thankful-4/
Hello Everyone!
My first “thankful” should perhaps always begin with a shout out to dear Misky, who has a generous and gracious heart to always link up my “10” for me…since I’m not adept at doing Linky things–so Misky, Many Thanks!!🌹🌷🌹
If you don’t know her, how ’bout clicking her link above and hopping over to say “hi”!
Although I’ll never be a skillful photographer, I’m happy when I can include a picture from my own Upper Room. If you can’t see it–the wall decor speaks of my Grateful heart, and love of anything “ocean/sea”, including gulls!
The rainbow is a gift from Heaven–years ago I bought several boxes of crystals to hang in windows, and when we finally get sunshine in the Pac NW (after Winter), my humble home is awash with vibrant color!
I’m thankful, especially so, that the new laptop/PC keyboard I thought would be a help (but wasn’t), was accepted for return by Amazon and picked up at my door! So I’m grateful the old one, though imperfect, will continue serving my posts.
Speaking of Amazon, I’m way thankful they sorted out their website issues yesterday before I could work up a good “fret”. Now mind you, I have PLENTY of food in my various cupboards and 2 freezers…but as I looked at all the items I usually order, and read “currently unavailable” I was mildly hysterical, thinking there was a sudden food shortage. (Have I mentioned I’m “highstrung”?)
When my neighbor called I began shouting, “No Food, No Food” (for dramtic effect), and she quickly assured me that website glitches are common–and surely tomorrow the foods I want would be back in their places with bright happy faces (as well as my own). She was right of course.
But there’s more–the day before this happened I’d been jubilant, pratically dancing because I was able to order 3, count ’em 3 bags of frozen mini wontons–which are quickly becoming my fave go-to quicky meal. So I was hardly at a loss for sustenance, body and soul. It does illustrate–for anyone curious–that I’m easily thrilled or devastated, by nature.
I’m also grateful that one of my online churches moved their Saturday services to Sunday–now I can get more of the to-do list done, and have the Lord’s Day free of distractions.
I can’t forget to sing my thanks to Denise, and all the authors who add sparkle to the week via 6-Sentence Stories. Denise serves up intriguing prompt words each Sunday, and everyone writes with a storm of vast and talented creativity–it’s a WOW all the way around!
Last, but never least, I’m hugely grateful to the Lord Jesus for daily mercies and miracles. Salvation is just the start–once you get to know Him in a deep and personal way, it’s astounding what He can accomplish in your life. I’m not close to perfect…but the improvment is significant, hallelujah!😊
PS: thanks for taking time to read my posts…some days I’m full of jabber…like somebody put a quarter in me!
~ Cale
~~♥~~
You are the invisible immortal Creator, Lord God
and all that You’ve created is visible indeed
so that none can say You don’t exist.
Your Word is inspired, it flowed as You
breathed holy breath upon what would
become printed pages for all to read, feed upon
and thereby learn to know You intimately.
That was always Your dream, Your heart–
to have loving relationships with every
person You brought into the world.
You didn’t want slaves, You desired children
who would follow Your lead in loving one
another–serving, sharing from Your bounty.
Age to age, You’ve called us to You
drawn us near your Father’s heart–
not holding us at a distance—longing
to engage personally with each one
because You made us all unique
and perfect in Your sight.
When our lives go askew, You continue
to entreat us: “come to Me, come to Me”…
if we don’t, You run after us, Good Shepherd.
everyday You wait for me to wake
we make to-do lists, work together
and our conversation lasts until I
finally wind down, ready to sleep.
Sometimes, with You I’m still a child
I love the way You hug me up…
I will always need Your guidance
(You left out a GPS on purpose)
Your comfort, Your strength
(You are my super-hero)
You are my forever Father
Who holds my hand as we
walk into every season, trial
and victory celebration.
(Some days are crazy
but never boring…
because with You
everything’s always new😊)
~ Cale
And here’s a kids’ song I sing, though I’m 73 ~
https://travelwithintent.com/2026/04/11/an-easter-tradition-of-chair-lifting/
There’s no getting around the fact that I’m crazy…at least “prompt crazy”. My Blessed Table is littered with prompts, most which I will not get around to writing for but can’t bear to toss…yet somebody mentions 6-Word Saturday and I’m like a squirrel leaping at the sight of a hidden nut come to light.
Crazy or not, I don’t understand why, at 73, the expected gift of silver season Wisdom has not, in similar fashion, made an appearance. Yes, I DO pray and read the Bible daily…so that’s not the problem.
Once again, I’ve erred on the side of trusting (a human), and have fallen through the trap door of painful disappointment. How can I still be this stupid, and otherwise be a responsible adult who pays bills on time, keeps my home tidy, cooks, etc?
Good thing I stocked up on ice cream and popcorn…and assorted chips, cookies…
~ Cale
My gratitudes are a little blurry (but not lacking significance)…life has been rather busy in the Upper Room–nonetheless, I have a list!
#1, Holy Week was very emotional, culminating in the joyous day of Christ’s Resurrection–I’m nearly speechless, still weepy with gratitude for ALL HE MEANS TO ME.
#2, Both my churches/pastors did a marvelous job with their messages; at Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC, the party atmosphere was perfect!
#3, Easter dinner was very nice–my neighbor cooked a banquet table full of traditional dishes, and I contributed my special brownies and ho-hum coconut bars.
#4, Many thanks to host Denise, and all the others who make 6SS a wonderful part of the week.
#5, And much gratitude to Hagar for graciously filling in for me.
#6, The tulips I received from my caregiver lasted ALL week long, amazing!
#7, I managed to take 2 Huge items off my to-do list, with the Lord’s help: moved furniture, a better arrangement; and scrubbed the kitchen floor on hands and knees. This was not fun, but served an important purpose beyond cleanliness: my caregiver will now be taking over this task–I bought her a Swiffer today😊
#8, The 2 newest residents are settling in nicely–friendly, quiet and respectful…Mr Rogers would be proud!
#9, The A-Z Challenge is going pretty well so far–I’m enjoying it, and so thankful another blogger reminded me about it, lest I miss out.
#10, My feline nieces downstairs are “feeling the heat”, so there’s been a whole lotta yowling goin’ on–it’s not a bother for me, but my nabe isn’t getting much sleep…I’m glad and grateful I didn’t give in to temptation and adopt one of my own.😺
And a special thank you to all my readers–your comments bless me!😊
During Lent this year I was rereading several of Max Lucado’s books about Christ’s last journey on Earth…to the Cross. The one I’m sharing from is, HE CHOSE THE NAILS.
“When we read John 3:16, we simply (and happily) read, ‘For God so loved the world.’
How wide is God’s love? Wide enough for the whole world. Are you included in the world? Then you are included in God’s love.
It’s nice to be included. You aren’t always. Universities exclude you if you aren’t smart enough. Businesses exclude you if you aren’t qualified enough, and, sadly, some churches exclude you if you aren’t good enough.
But though they may exclude you, Christ includes you. When asked to describe the width of His love, He stretched one hand to the right and the other to the left and had them nailed in that position so you would know He died loving you.
But isn’t there a limit? Surely there has to be an end to this love? You’d think so, wouldn’t you? But David the adulterer never found it. Paul the murderer never found it. Peter the liar never found it. When it came to life, they hit bottom. But when it came to God’s love, they never did.
They, like you, found their names on God’s list of love.”
© 2000 Max Lucado All rights reserved.
JESUS didn’t cast spell–He threw a net:
mercy, saving grace, unconditional love.
by Hagar
https://lindaghill.com/2026/04/01/one-liner-wednesday-a-cure/
https://sammiscribbles.wordpress.com/2026/03/28/weekend-writing-prompt-461-spell/
Hello again, Hagar here.
On the to-do list Cale left for me I see there’s a prompt, “Ten Things of Thankful”–so I’ll get on that right away. However, I’ll only be linking to Misky’s post (not up for doing Mr Linky). https://misky.uk/2026/03/28/ten-things-of-thankful/
I’m grateful for Spring, even if it’s a tad chilly–it arrived speedily here, and some things are better when hurried along.
Also grateful for Public Domain images on wikipedia such as, Vincent van Gogh’s “Almond Blossoms”–used for current header image on this site.
It’s nice to be here as Cale’s substitute, not too scary yet, so I’m thankful to be offered a turn at the wheel.
Very grateful for Holy Week, an emotional time on the Church calendar.
On topic, I’m most grateful for JESUS, that He chose me out of a crowd of better candidates. To be saved, and deeply loved as a “daughter”–it’s nothing short of miraculous that He’s my Lord.
Friendship is a gift I’m thankful for each day–to have a few people to share the dailyness of life with, in deserts and on mountaintops, is no small thing. We are blessed to bear each other’s burdens with patient non-judgmental compassion–not everyone’s fit for the calling.
I’m grateful for “little things”…we never know how God may use them for His big plans.
I’m thankful for free movie streaming.
And microwave popcorn, even if it does turn me into a stick of butter with popcorn hair…I’ll look like my grandma!
I’m grateful I know WHOSE I am, and that my future is well secured–it irons out a lot of stress, I don’t have to be super-smart about everything.
Thanks to all who visited today, may God bless you bountifully✝
Hagar🕯
Poetry ~ Cabbage After Christmas 