I’ve often been amused at my parents routine. They are creatures of habit and routine. I’ve laughed at it in the past but not these days. Mom is 91 and Dad is 94. Their routine has helped them stay intentional and active in these later years of life. Because they have for 71+ years had a routine, they are comfortable with Dad’s 3 days a week dialysis appointment at 5:30 AM. They set their alarm and schedule and make it happen. They have routinely gotten up at the same time, eaten breakfast at the same time. They worship together and enjoy having friends over for lunch and bridge for the afternoon. The routine of life has been a steady anchor for them. Yes, and Jesus is a part of that anchor and routine as well. And with each passing visit I hear the preciousness and relationship of their walk with Jesus that expresses Life in the midst of routine.
Routine
March 23, 2018Humble, merciful mentor – passionate pioneer of Peace, Lisa Brittain – friend, Friend indeed!
November 24, 2017Friends and friendships have become more precious with the years piling up.
But growing up I was a loner. I felt alone. I had to hide to protect myself – or so I thought. I did not like myself and I was sure most would not like me if all of my lacks were uncovered. But in these latter years of my life, like the Velveteen Rabbit, I have come alive and become real. In beautiful ways, the Holy Spirit has worked through precious friendships and given me courage and freedom to be me. I want to tell you about one of these friends, Lisa Brittain, who has joined my journey of friendship.
Lisa and I met in Community Bible Study in Lilburn, GA. She’s 12 years younger than me. We were both on the Servants Leadership Team. 
As I watched and listened to Lisa walk with Jesus in her ministry, her marriage, her family and 
her friendships, I was drawn to Jesus in her.
She wouldn’t say anything glowing about herself but over these last 7 or so years, I’ve observed many wonderful qualities about my friend. I’ve tasted the fruit of her friendship and it is life changing for all who know and love her.
Lisa is an author, Bible teacher and beloved mentor of women. Her blog is eyesonjesusandshine.wordpress.com and shine she does. So today Lisa, you’re the wonderful example of true godly friendship. You’re shining, Lisa Brittain.
Lisa loves…she loves well. The most beautiful part of God’s love in Lisa is that it’s inclusive. Her heart and her arms are open and welcoming to all she meets. Her love for you isn’t based on anything external but only on God’s love poured out into Lisa’s heart by the Holy Spirit.
Lisa asks Jesus about you and she points you to Him.
She shares her life’s ups and downs. She’s free to be silly and join in the game. She’s not looking to “look right or do it right in your sight.”
She runs to Jesus and asks you if you want to come, too! She doesn’t just lovingly welcome you into her heart and life; she lifts you up and cheers you on in your journey. She has a Saturday Share blog where she encourages others to share their journey with Jesus. She lifts others up and encourages their voice and their story to be told.
Lisa doesn’t have the “need” to fix you or try to fix you or your problems. Honestly, she knows she can’t fix. Here’s one of her strengths…
She loves you, prays for you and allows Holy Spirit to speak and bear fruit that remains in your life. By waiting to speak, she allows your dependence to be on Holy Spirit so He speaks powerfully into your life. Then she praises God with you for what He has done!!!
She lets you see her rough and hurting places. She’s real and not a hider. In her honest transparent way, there is freedom for you to share the rough and hurting places in your life, as well. 
She’s aware of the refining work of the Holy Spirit in the middle of these difficult places. In this process, friends are refined and come out as gold — as women of strength and dignity.
In a world of self-doubt, we all need and want a friendship and a friend to see and know our voice and journey. Lisa is a humble, merciful mentor – passionate pioneer of peace – Lisa Brittain – friend, Friend, indeed!!!
Discover: When They Talk
October 21, 2017Sharing Hope 4journey with Jeanne Takenaka. Thank you for allowing me to share these words of wisdom with my friends.
+Jeanne Takenaka @JeanneTakenaka
Our Five Minute Friday prompt this week is—DISCOVER. This largely unedited “rough draft” form of writing stretches this perfectionist, in the best of ways. We write for five minutes on a given word. If you’re interested in learning more about 5-Minute Fridays, check out the Five Minute Friday website. Or, click on the link at the bottom of this post. As you read my simpler Friday posts, I hope you’ll join in the conversation!
DISCOVER
His eyes had held the look all night. That expression saying something was on his mind, but he wasn’t sure if he should talk about it. Maybe all teens wear that expression. I know mine do.
Whenever I’m invited into the inner sanctum (a.k.a. his room), I try to say yes. That night, he asked me to walk to his room with him before he went to bed. What…
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Abundant grace…
September 1, 2017“…a missing piece…a gentle reminder…
You do this for me, Jesus.
I am forever grateful.
You speak into my darkness. You speak when I have no hope. You speak even when I’m at my worst.
You pursue lovingly, relentlessly passionately.
It is the most hope giving part of my life when YOU speak truth in the middle of my mess.”
Early Sunday morning John and I played tennis at Lilburn City Courts. The courts and the walking trails were filled with people enjoying the morning.
My heart was heavy about some “stuff”. You probably know how “stuff” weighs down. My spirit was discouraged. I played with little to no joy and motivation the game I love.
After saying hi to a woman walking the trail as we walked back to the car, I was struck with my emptiness. 
“Lord, I have nothing to give her.”
Feeling my own neediness, I felt like I had nothing to give her.
But His reply…
“I do!”
Jesus spoke into my spirit, “I do!”
I had nothing to give but Jesus says, “I do!”
He is not limited by me.
He always has something to give through me even when I sense I have nothing to give.
He has abundant grace for me and abundant grace for me to give away.
Proverbs 1:23 The Message
“About face! I can revise your life. Look, I’m ready to pour out My spirit on you. I’m ready to tell you everything I know.”
A Mother’s Day gift
May 22, 2018
This past Mother’s Day was so special. The card with special messages from my son, Andy and daughter-in-law, Kristen were especially lifting and encouraging. They also gave me a book, Momma Jane’s Secret by Chad Norris. I have devoured it.
Having 2 of my 3 in heaven makes Mother’s Day tough and bittersweet at times. I miss them! Their absence from earth is especially felt on this day. But truly I am so happy for them and happy for us that we enjoyed the pleasure of knowing them. Today it makes me smile that they are enjoying heaven fully.
But, this Mother’s Day I received an extra special note with 2 dozen roses from my husband of 41+ years. 
The very best part is that he took the time – smile – to say something special to me on Mother’s Day.
I want to share it with you. It’s a gift that keeps on giving as I savor it’s rich truth for me. Read it and see if it is a gift to you, as well.
A Spiritual Acrostic for Ruthie on Mother’s Day, 5/13/18
A – Always – God is always with you!
B – Beautiful – How beautiful are your feet with gospel news!
C – Chosen – You have been chosen by God to glorify Him!
D – Delight – Your delight is in God’s daily word!
E – Every – Every thought captive to Christ is your mindset!
F – Fear – Your fear and reverence for God is wise!
G – Go – You go girl as Christ’s disciple and evangelist!
H – Happy – Happy are you as you wait upon the Lord!
I – Increase – Great is the increase of your life and love!
J – Judgment – You have passed from judgment to eternal life!
K – Kept – You have kept the faith!
L – Love – You love to tell of God’s goodness in your life!
M – Mercy – Goodness and mercy are your legacy from the Lord!
N – Never – God’s mercies to you never fail; and He will never forsake you!
O – Opened – You opened your life to Jesus, and He came in!
P – Power – Daily you receive power from the Holy Spirit!
Q – Quiet – Your quiet time with God sustains your life!
R – Rest – God has given you His Sabbath rest!
S – Surely – Surely goodness and mercy and Christ’s presence are with you!
T – Triumph – In the Lord you daily triumph over sin!
U – Up – God lifts you up as you are humble before Him!
V – Victory – Christ is your victory!
W – Well – It is well with your soul!
X – eXcel – Many wives do nobly, but you excel them all!
Y – Yes – You enjoy the promises of God as they are “yes” to you in Christ!
Z – Zest – Your zest for life and relationships is authentic!
Much love to you!!!! John
Yes, I receive it with love. Ruth 
Sweet Memory Highlighted…
October 10, 2017Matthew 16 was the daily Bible-reading passage on Hurricane Irma Sunday, September 10th. Jesus asked the disciples,”Who do people say that I am?” Then His question became more personal. “Who do you say that I am?”
Jesus’ questions reminded me of a precious memory from long ago. The questions seemed to highlight, give power and significance to my treasured memory.
It was early morning – 4-ish a.m. Nursing my newborn son, Michael, I got up early. After putting him back in the bassinet, I decided to catch some time with Jesus in His Word, before my other 2 children woke up.
I’d been reading this book on Biblical meditation.
Campbel McAlpine had visited our Sunday School class. I was very intrigued with his message of intimacy with God through mediating on God’s Word.
Meditating on Gospel of John was bringing scripture to life.
It not only was bringing scripture to life but it was bringing light to my life.
In that quiet place I sensed the Holy Spirit talking to me about sharing the love of Jesus with our neighbors, the Abel family.
Yes, they needed Jesus, but how would I do this? It was a wonderful but scary thought to me.
Our daughter, Ellen, was 5 years old at the time. She was loving more freedom of movement with her new power wheelchair. She loved playing on the driveway with her brother, Andrew, who was 3.
She asked one afternoon if she could go visit Mr. and Mrs. Abel, our neighbors across the street, in her new wheelchair. I called to see if they were up for a visitor. They welcomed a visit from Ellen.
After their visit Mr. Abel walked Ellen home. As they “walked” up the driveway, I heard Ellen say,
“Mr. Abel, does your family love Jesus?” “Sure”, was Mr. Abel’s quick reply.
“Mr. Abel, do you love Jesus?” This time with a bit of hesitation, “In my own sorta way”, he said.
“Mr. Abel, my family loves Jesus!”
As I sat in worship on Hurricane Irma Sunday, I was struck by the similarities between Jesus’ words to His disciples and Ellen’s words years ago to Mr. Abel.
Do you remember Jesus’ reply to Peter? “Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven!” In the same way I felt that Holy Spirit had orchestrated and given Ellen wisdom and words way beyond her knowledge or experience.
Ellen was sharing the love of Jesus with our neighbors, the Abels. She made it simple. But it was, oh, so powerful. Her wheelchair empowered her spirit, to spread her wings and with her new found freedom of movement she was a carrier of the love of Jesus.
Ellen Elizabeth Snell 1978 – 1990
Sweet Memory Highlighted…
October 7, 2017Matthew 16 was the daily Bible-reading passage on Hurricane Irma Sunday, September 10th. Jesus asked the disciples,”Who do people say that I am?” Then His question became more personal. “Who do you say that I am?”
Jesus’ questions reminded me of a precious memory from long ago. The questions seemed to highlight, give power and significance to my treasured memory.
It was early morning – 4-ish a.m. Nursing my newborn son, Michael, I got up early. After putting him back in the bassinet, I decided to catch some time with Jesus in His Word, before my other 2 children woke up.
Campbel McAlpine had visited our Sunday School class. I was very intrigued with his message of intimacy with God through mediating on God’s Word.
Meditating on Gospel of John was bringing scripture to life.
It not only was bringing scripture to life but it was bringing light to my life.
In that quiet place I sensed the Holy Spirit talking to me about sharing the love of Jesus with our neighbors, the Abel family.
Yes, they needed Jesus, but how would I do this? It was a wonderful but scary thought to me.
Our daughter, Ellen, was 5 years old at the time. She was loving more freedom of movement with her new power wheelchair. She loved playing on the driveway with her brother, Andrew, who was 3.
She asked one afternoon if she could go visit Mr. and Mrs. Abel, our neighbors across the street, in her new wheelchair. I called to see if they were up for a visitor. They welcomed a visit from Ellen.
After their visit Mr. Abel walked Ellen home. As they “walked” up the driveway, I heard Ellen say,
“Mr. Abel, does your family love Jesus?” “Sure”, was Mr. Abel’s quick reply.
“Mr. Abel, do you love Jesus?” This time with a bit of hesitation, “In my own sorta way”, he said.
“Mr. Abel, my family loves Jesus!”
As I sat in worship on Hurricane Irma Sunday, I was struck by the similarities between Jesus’ words to His disciples and Ellen’s words years ago to Mr. Abel.
Do you remember Jesus’ reply to Peter? “Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven!” In the same way I felt that Holy Spirit had orchestrated and given Ellen wisdom and words way beyond her knowledge or experience.
Ellen was sharing the love of Jesus with our neighbors, the Abels. She made it simple. But it was, oh, so powerful. Her wheelchair empowered her spirit, to spread her wings and with her new found freedom of movement she was a carrier of the love of Jesus.
Ellen Elizabeth Snell 1978 – 1990
Five Minute Friday – Speak
August 20, 2017Five Minute Fridays with Kate Motaung is a challenging blogging opportunity. Each week she gives a word to consider. The idea is to ask the Holy Spirit what He is stirring up in us associated with this “word” for the Friday.
It is amazing. You should try it!
It stirs up my thinking and questioning…asking the Lord, “What are You saying about this word? What are You already teaching me about this word?”
So thank you, FMF and Kate for allowing the Holy Spirit to use you to “stir up” the gifts within us! Gifts/ideas we may not be aware are there at all.
So…here we go…
I’m reading a book about hearing God’s voice. Mark Verkler, the author of 4 Keys to Hearing God’s Voice is challenging us to know prayer is a two-way conversation with God. God speaks and we speak to him as well. Prayer is a conversation between friends.
The assignment yesterday was to speak to God…journal about why I love God and then to allow Him to speak to me/respond to me.
Jesus this is why I love You so much.
I know I love You because You 1st loved me. But You made that love, Your love, known to me early early as a child – long b/4 I knew you. I love it that You pursued me when I most needed it.
Tell me, Jesus, what it was like for You?
“Ruthie, Ruthie – I saw your unformed self before you were in your Mom’s womb. I’ve thought and planned for you. I knew it would be a stretch for your Mom and Dad but I planned and purposed and loved and prepared for you. You are my delightful design, daughter.
STOP 🙂 have to share the rest of our conversation….
I have loved you before you were born. Even as a child I pursued you. You were never alone then and you are never alone now. You’ve never been alone, Ruthie. That’s a lie the enemy comes with. I am with you sweet precious, Ruthie!
Breathing in your love, Ruthie!
Breathing in Your love, Lord Jesus!
So friends encouraging you on to love and good deeds in two areas.
- Try Five Minute Friday. See what the Holy Spirit surfaces in you as the words are given each Friday.
- Try prayer as a two-way conversation with God. He loves you and has so much to say to you. Try two-way journaling.
Five Minute Friday – Place
August 11, 2017Hope4journey is finding a new place. For the last 13 years CBS has been my life and my love. (and still is) It’s been the place God has used to stretch me and grow me up.
Now I’ve been called out of that wonderful, special ministry place and I’m seeking to listen and know my new place.
It’s an unnerving place. I’m finding myself unsettled and trying this…FMF and that…starting my blog, Hope4journey.
It’s a place of asking Holy Spirit questions and seeking to hear answers and His Good Shepherd leading.
But here I am knowing His love and knowing His leading…STOP
This post is in connection with Five Minute Friday. Join in the fun.
It all started with Romans 15:13
August 8, 2017I can’t remember exactly when I first read Romans 15:13. But it’s truth clung to my heart. I do remember the very rough, seemingly hopeless, circumstances that surrounded me.
Maybe you need hope 4 your journey. Let’s walk together…
“Now may the God of Hope fill you with joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Hope4journey 