The Art of Perseverance

Generational Teaching

I saw my Momma's faith

As I was growing up

I saw my Momma's tears

As she drank from the bitter cup.

I learned from watching her, the art of perseverance

And being resilient through my pain

I learned to love the Lord

And to His cause, true to remain.

1 Peter 4:13-16

*******

 

My son watched me bow on bended knee

And heard my words to God about my family

He heard me mention his name in my talks

With the Lord and he finally came to understand

And he learned to lean on Jesus when he became a man

And the molding of his own son was placed in his hands.

2 Timothy 1:5

Each day that we live, let us leave the next generation something to keep their faith strong. Yes, this next generation is going to need an extraordinary amount of faith and determination to make their calling and election sure.

Doing What I Can While I Can

Alma L. Stepping On Jones

Blessed and Favored

The bazaar that was held on Saturday was a great success. The ladies at McCabe did an outstanding job in putting it on. I am thankful that I was asked to have a booth there to display my latest book. The sales of the book went way past what I had hoped. I had hoped to have pictures for you, but they did not turn out. Oh well, it was a successful day.

After the bazaar, went to one of my favorite restaurants for a carryout meal and sold another book while there and had several promises for online orders. Was I amazed by the book being received as well as it was? Yes, I was, but I should not have been because when you have God's favor, He blesses you in ways that you had not even thought of.

Oh Yeah

The picture that is shown at the beginning of this article is my new car magnet. Isn't it beautiful? Yes, I displayed that at my booth Saturday.  To God be the glory!

Ha Ha This post has been a mess to get posted today. Typed almost 1000 words and pushed the publish button. Ha Ha It not only did not publish, but it erased all that I had typed except five lines. And get this, I could not get the picture that I wanted to use for this article to upload. I tried and tried and just gave up. When I went there to see how bad it looked, Voile, the picture there, but upside down. That's it. I give up. It is almost comical if you really sit down and think about it. Almost...

Heat on My Feet

When it starts getting a little cold with a nip of coming winter in the air, we like to feel the enveloping warmth of a heater to knock the chill off of our feet. I do, at any rate. However, when we get too much heat, we need to have the heat turned down or off. That's called being pampered with a central heating and air unit. Did not even realize that I was spoiled until life gave me a dose of reality. Here is what happened to make me count my blessings even more.

My heating unit went out and such as life can do sometimes, it just was not convenient for us to replace it to the tune of several thousand dollars. That meant getting up, bathing, etc. in less than desirable temperatures for several days. It meant having to adjust to standing close to the temporary heater in the mornings. The type of heat that we had was equipped with a thermostat. Yet, it still did not heat the entire living space with uniformity. (There again, I was reminded of how spoiled I had gotten to central heat.)

I was reminded of my charcoal bucket days from my youth and I thanked the Lord that I did not have to contend with that now. We got the unit replaced for quite a bit less than we had dared hope for and I am back to being spoiled with uniform temperatures throughout my house. But, you know folks, being inconvenienced and cold for those few days made me think more than usual about people who are homeless or people who have no heat at all, especially children.

The holiday season is soon to be upon us and I have been pondering in my mind what I can do to help alleviate the problem of shelter and the lack of heat in my area. So, I am going to look into what is being done for the homeless and less fortunate in my town. We may not have any homeless, I am not sure, I am ashamed to say. But I will find out. I am also going to look into local efforts for the needy and/or homeless.

Having the inconvenience of doing without a heating unit made me have cold feet. But, I will tell you this. I won't take the heating unit for granted anymore and I will help others during the cold months to come.

In Conclusion

It took losing heat for my house to wake me up to people who may have that need for months on end. Don't know, but gonna find out and help to alleviate the problem. You be thoughtful and blessed.

Continuing to Do What I Can, While I Can Because I Care,

Alma L. Stepping On Jones

 

The Passage of Time

In His Hand

Time is in Jesus' hand

And upon that premise

I will continue to stand.

Though the river of life moves steadily on, it's about how we spend our time that we will be judged. I like to think that my living has brightened some folks days and helped others in a myriad of ways. You know that old spiritual song that goes:

If I can help somebody as I pass along

If I can cheer somevody with a word or song

If I can show somebody that he is traveling wrong

Then my living shall not be in vain."

Additionally, I want to live my life so that this world will know that I am proud to be the Lord's child and as such, He is my friend.

In Conclusion

A river is much like life, ever moving on.  Sometimes it is turbulent, at other times it is tranquil, but even when it looks like it is still, it is steadily moving toward its end. And you know, it still provides water for those along its route.

River of Life

 

The river of life keeps

 Flowing along,

Through good times, bad times,

 Through right and wrong;

I don’t understand all of

 Life’s ups and downs,

I just keep plodding on,

 In hopes of a crown.

I’ve shed some tears,

 Endured some pain,

Had time in the sunshine

 And time in the rain;

I smile when I can and

 Cry when I must,

But in the GOD of Heaven,

 I put all of my trust.

So when my earthly sojourn

 Comes to an end,

And the river of life flows

 Around that final bend;

I pray sweet guidance to

 My eternal home above,

Where I can rest from my labor

Of building an influence that becomes a legacy

That makes others want to follow me

To the land past time of peace, joy, and love.

(excerpt from "DEI Sub Numine Viget" with italics representing additions)

Doing What I Can, While I Can Because I Care,

Alma L. Stepping On Jones

One Year

Prognosis Given

A lot can happen in a year and yet we don't often think about it until life forces us to. Yesterday, I went to the doctor with a family member.  And the prognosis was about one year with scans every three months. I determined within myself to make life as comfortable as I could for the family member. I am thankful that though the quality of life has suffered from other ailments, this latest diagnosis did not come as a total shock for anyone. There had been the earlier diagnosis, the cough that never quite went away, etc.

When the prognosis was given, the family member began to softly sing an old spiritual song that we heard when we were children. There was a bit of startled silence in the room and I, for one, had to focus so that I could continue to listen to the doctor. The singing of the spiritual song surprised me because there had been another family member to react in the same way years earlier...

And Now...

Since it was determined that there was nothing to be gained by further treatment and quite a bit of quality of life to be lost by it, the determination was made to opt for quality of life.

No one knows when the final call will be made. So, I will be, as I  always tell you, "Doing What I Can While I Can."

All that You Can Do

Make sure that you love your family and do all that you can do to help them and to show your love to them. Then in the event that you are called in to receive unwelcome news, you can rest upon your faith in the Lord and "step on" as you remember that all things are in His hands.

When you have done all that you could do, there is nothing else but to remember the words from Ecclesiastes that read,

1 There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven -  2 A time to give birth and a time..." (NASV)

 

All that You Can Do

When you do that fellowman

You will have done your best

And then you leave it to God

For He has already made

Plans to do the rest.

********

Another Day

Another day, another hour, another year or ten

Alma Jones is going to  continue to do what she can

While she can to help herself and her fellowman.

Renewal of Joy

Need a pick me up? Who doesn't from time to time? Offering just the thing, a free ebook that is comprised of devotionals and some poems. You get this free ebook when you become a part of my email community. You will receive the start-up set of 5 emails and after that, only once a quarter, unless I have a major announcement.

Hoping that this ebook brings you a renewal of joy and/or serves to remind you that we are our Father's children and as such, we have His everlasting love and care.

Reminder

On Saturday the 11th of November (10-2), I will be in Martin at the McCabe United Methodist Church (Hyndsver Rd.) for their Fall Bazaar. I will have my latest book, Chopping My Row with me. This book has been termed "one to watch." It is also being referred to as, "that book." One west Tennessee church has already adopted it for their ladies' class. So, come by and get a copy. This book is proving to be hard to keep. I thank all of you for your support and patronage and I thank God for His favor.

Doing What I Can, While I Can Because I Care,

Alma L. Stepping On Jones

A Time for All Seasons

[caption id="attachment_484" align="alignnone" width="300"] Waiting for the Ferry[/caption]

Once Appointed Unto Man

Once there was a rooster and a hen

Who had three little chicks (children)

The rooster flew off to parts unknown

And the strong little hen had

To rear the three chicks on her own.

Though it was not the custom for chickens

To follow one another in a line

The hen taught her little chicks to walk like

The ducks, in a straight line

And the rest of the barnyard told the little hen

That she was raising her chicks just fine.

Time passed, which is what time was given to do

And the little chicks had broods of their own

And the old hen was all alone.

Her chicks gathered at her coop when they could

And remembered her on special days

Just like good little chickens should.

Then came the day that the old hen walked no more

And the little chicks with their broods came

To see her off to that other shore.

Time passed, which is what time was given to do

And the oldest chick who used to walk right behind his mother

Crossed the river to go and stay with the little hen

And the two chicks left, each went their own way

Though the youngest tried to walk

Like it had been taught to do.

The day came when the youngest chick saw

That the chick that she used to walk behind

Was gazing across the river to where the hen

And the oldest chick did now reside

And one day soon, the youngest chick knew

That the chick that she used to walk behind

Would cross that river, too.

Three little chicks used to walk in a line

One has departed and another most gone

Following a well-laid out henpecked line.

Have courage, little chick, you will be just fine

If the day comes that you are left all alone

Just you follow the henpecked line.

 

Doing What I Can, While I Can Because I Care,

Alma L. Stepping On Jones

A Praisin' Good Time!

Refueling Time

When your car gets low on fuel, you have to stop by the gas station and refuel, don't you? Uhm hmm, and when life takes much of the wind out of your sails, your vehicle of faith needs refueling as well. You know that I told you in the blog post from yesterday that I would be attending worship. I told you that I was going for the purpose of singing praises to God as I worshiped Him in spirit and in truth.

Love Met Me in the Parking Lot

We got to the church building early and I was adding a final touch to my make-up. I was sitting in the car when I looked up to see a sister approaching my vehicle. She said, when she opened the door, that she just came out to "check on me." She and another sister had been discussing whether or not I was okay or even there because I did not come in when my husband did. I assured her that I was fine and went on in the building with her. To me, folks, that was the Lord's way of letting me know that I was never alone. It was His way of assuring me that He always has angels on the job of taking care of His children.

Met Me in the Assembly

I knew that if I sang with all of my heart and prayed along with the person leading the prayer that Jesus would meet me in the assembly. How did I know that? I knew because like I told you on yesterday, He said, "Where two or three are gathered in my name there I will be in the midst." And sure enough, the words of the songs that were sang swelled around me to envelop me in a cocoon of love and care. I opened my mouth, closed my eyes, and thanked my God for His goodness, lovingkindness, mercy, justice, and righteousness. It seemed that my voice reached out to other voices in the sanctuary and blended in hallelujah praise and joy.  That was the way it seemed to me, at least.

And I got confirmation of that fact after worship was over. One member of the congregation commented on the singing and the joyous spirit that could be felt and others agreed wholeheartedly. Somebody quipped out that it was like old times. I said a quick prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord. And I had a buoyancy to my step for the rest of the day. That buoyancy is still with me now as I pen this blog post to you. You see, I got my vehicle of faith refueled and I can step on a few more miles.

In Conclusion

As I said in yesterday's blog, no matter what it is time for in your life, just know that God is ever faithful and is always near. So, venture forth into your day with the assurance that Jesus is looking and working things out according to His will for your good. I tell you folks, God is good. Can I get a witness?

Doing What I Can, While I Can Because I Care,

Alma L. Stepping On Jones

Shored Up

 

His lovingkindness shored me up when
It seemed that I was destined to fall
Like He did for Joseph, David, and others
Of my Biblical sisters and brothers
He heard and answered my plaintive call.

What Time Is It?

This Sunday morning I got to sleep an hour later, so I got up with a bit more spring in my step.  And I am thankful for that.

I am going through a myriad of adverse things at this juncture in my life. But I am being shored up by my God's love. Whatever, it is time for in my life, He is there for me and with me. I can't thank Him enough for the enveloping presence of His guiding love. He is so good, and I wanted to tell you that. I realize that most of you know that, but allow Alma to add her voice to the hallelujah chorus, and we all can sing to/of His glory.

Gonna Be Sending Up Some Praise.

When I get to the worship service and the song service starts, I close my eyes as I open my mouth and emit praises to my God. I like to sing it so loudly that the people around me sing with just as much fervor. He said, "Where two or three are gathered in My name, I will be in the midst."

And I love it when the songs almost take a singing of their own and seem to flit from corner to corner, light to light and heart to heart. Sometimes it reminds me of a roller coaster that has gotten up to full speed. And then we coast around the turns and up and down the bars of the songs. If you don't know what I am talking about, then when you get to worship this morning, involve yourself more than you usually do. You will be surprised as you pray along with whoever is praying and sing along with whoever is singing at the joyous peace that will be yours.

Just try this, close your eyes when you sing and imagine that you are talking to our Father only. Your song will be sweeter than it has ever been before and more fulfilling. And you will go on with your life with the added assurance that He sees, knows, and cares about all things that are happening to you in your life. Why, because you are His.

Have a blessed day in the name of our Good Lord.

Doing What I Can, While I Can Because I Care,

Alma L. Stepping On Jones

"Do You Not Know? Have You Not Heard?"

Despair

Life gets rough sometimes doesn't it? Uhm hmm, and we get tired, in fact so tired that we often despair. Sure we do. We despair to the extent that we apply the negative to our situation and to any who might be privy to it. In other words, we can get so despondent that we think to ourselves and sometimes aloud that nobody can help us. Then we take it a step further and think and sometimes speak aloud that the Lord has forgotten about us or has forsaken us. Have you ever been in a situation such as the one that I just described? Most of us have at some point or another.

A Lesson for Us Via Israel

The thing is, we need to recognize it for what it is, "a pity party," and move on. I like what I read in Isaiah 40: 21, 27-28 this morning. In this scripture, it seems that Israel was having a pity party because of their hard taskmasters and living situation. You remember that I often tell you that the Lord sees, knows and cares about us. Well, He had Isaiah to remind Isreal about Who He is with these words: "Do you not now? Have you not heard?" It is like He is saying to them, "How can you even think that I, Who, invented knowledge and made you, can forget about you or anything else?" He had Isaiah to have them to understand, wait on the Lord.

Another Lesson

That sentence reminds me of Jesus' words to His disciples when they were afraid of the storm and He said, "Oh ye of little faith."  (Matthew 8:26 KJV) After He said that, what did He do? He stilled the storm.  And y'all know what the disciples did don't you? Yes, they feared and marveled among themselves wondering, "What manner of Man is this that even the wind and the sea obey Him?" "Stick a pin" in that thought and learn a lesson from it.

A Time for All Things

Then, too, I was reading from Ecclesiastes 33 yesterday and read the passage that says, "There is a  time for everything on earth." That means that during our living down here on this earth there will be the various times that are mentioned in this chapter. But, as the chapter says, none of it and not even us, will last always. Have learned to apply that maxim to any given unpleasant circumstance. And I remind myself, Who does last always and is always faithful? God. It is as simple as that.

In Conclusion

So, you keep telling yourself that He is faithful until He resolves your particular situation. I have learned not to even question, "Why?" I know that whatever I am going through, there is a reason for it. My walk with the Lord has taught me to trust Him. Thus, I leave you with these words, "Wait on God,' for 'Do you not know? Have you not heard?" He is good!

Doing What I Can, While I Can Because I Care,

Alma L. Stepping On Jones

Quick Pondering Before the Storm

3:45 in the A.M.

As the storm approaches in this early hour

Thought I would get this poem out before the loss of power

Wanted to discuss with you a bit about my time

No, I am not wasting it because it is

What has been given me to do

Therefore, I spend quite a bit of it

Writing encouraging things to you.

(Ecclesiastes 3:10, 12, 22 NASV)

You See...

Yesterday, I was greeted by a lady with a hug. And her words to me were, "This book is so inspirational that I want to get three more copies, one for my daughter, one for my daughter-in-law and one for my niece. You are such an inspirational writer." Yes, the book that she was referring to is "Chopping My Row," the one that has been dubbed as, "that book."

Kid You Not...

Cannot keep copies of it for long. What a wonderfully blessed problem to have. All glory and thanksgiving go to the God of Glory, my Father for this thing that He has given me to do. And yes, I do enjoy it very much. Do take the time to read the verses mentioned from the book of Ecclesiastes. I begin to understand further why I have this push to write and why I love it so much...

Doing What I Can, While I Can Because I Care,

Alma L. Stepping On Jones

Let's Celebrate!

[caption id="attachment_753" align="alignnone" width="222"] Waves Crash Against the Rock, but It Still Stands.[/caption]

God is good! That is something that is undeniable, but when we are beset with problems and cares, sometimes we neglect to tell others about the goodness of the God that we serve. But you know, even with the problems that we may be having at a particular time in the present, that doesn't change the reality of all that He did for us in our yesterdays.

Anyhow

I did a blog and a Ladies' Day lesson on checking and remembering the track record of God's love and deliverance. When you take the time to read back over certain passages in your Bible and certain things that you have written in your journal, you will rejoice at how He brought you back during some of the times that were particularly chaotic. You will start to think, "I remember how I felt when that happened to me and I remember thinking that I would never smile again. But, oh I remember how joyous and relieved I felt when He sent me deliverance. I thanked Him and thanked Him."  You remember the times that I am talking about whether you wrote them down or not, don't you? Sure you do.

Well, get your praise on for what He did for you back then. And I guarantee you that you will start to praise Him for deliverance from your present situation, too. And you will be praising Him beforehand for your deliverance because you have given it all to him and you know that He knows what to do with it.  You will be praising Him in faith. What an awesome testimony.

Then Peace

Then that peace that surpasseth all understanding will steal upon your soul and you will be grinning and humming so much that your family and associates will start to take notice. And guess what? Think about this. The Lord will see your humming, grinning and praising Him and bless you because of it.

Don't Be Surprised.

Don't be surprised when someone approaches you in wonder and expresses their admiration for you and your strong faith. Just have an answer prepared about your God so that you can continue to give Him glory when they do ask you about your faith.

"Aw Righty Then"

Ever had a time in your life when one thing after another went wrong? Uhm hmm-m, well experiencing such a time as that now. But, when I think about the things that could be going wrong, I say thank You Lord for one more day, and I press on. I may grit my teeth, but I step on. May have to shed a tear or two of frustration, but I step on.

When

• the heating unit went out


• lung biopsy was done on brother


• commode overflowed with sewage


• at the beginning of my blogging session, the internet went down

Arrwrrg!

I threw my hands up, thought, "Aw righty then!" said a prayer and kept on stepping. Sometimes, you have to do just that. And you can do it if you have given your all to the Lord. You just keep walking by the faith that you have in God while remembering Romans 8:31.

1. Internet came back up after being reset from the main box.


2. Blog Post was still intact, thankfully.


3. Will know the results of the biopsy done on brother by Friday.


4. Commode fixed, and a thorough cleaning was done.


5. Getting bids for heating unit today.

In Conclusion

Keep your head up in all types of situations and remember, no matter how low you get, God still knows your name, where you are and the level of your faith. So, whatever you do, keep at least, a mustard seed amount of it and you, my friend, will smile at the end of the day.

Doing What I Can, While I Can Because I Care,

Alma L. Stepping On Jones