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Enjoy these thoughts, memories and reflections.

INSIDE: Reflections

Greeting the Unexpected

Sep 22, 2023 by Leoma G Gilley

Have you ever had your week nicely planned, ready to go, and then something happens and it all falls apart? That happened to me this week. I was expecting to enjoy a week-long retreat in North Carolina with my Brigit sisters. We planned this months ago. I bought all the ingredients for the food I planned to prepare for a meal. I bought the food necessary for a Sunday School picnic on Saturday before going to the retreat. Then I got an email...

At Home

Jan 24, 2023 by Leoma G Gilley

At Home

by Leoma Gilley

 

John 15: 9 Remain intimately at home in my love. (The Message)

 

Visitors are met at the door.

Residents just come and go.

Visitors may be invited in.

Residents know they belong.

Visitors are told where they can go.

Residents enjoy the run of the house.

Where is your HOPE?

Nov 15, 2022 by Leoma G Gilley

Psalm 42:11 says, "I will put my hope in God!" 
In reflecting on these words, I decided to put the emphasis in different places. Here's what I discovered.

I will put my hope in God. This is a choice that I have to make. No one can do it for me.
I WILL put my hope in God. This is a decision that I must actively pursue. It won't just happen.
I will PUT my hope in God I will turn loose of my fears and worries, and give them to the One who loves me best.

Ramadan begins on April 2, 2022

Mar 07, 2022 by Leoma G Gilley
Are you aware that during the month of Ramadan Muslims are seeking to hear from God? Yes, they are also obeying one of the 5 pillars of Islam. Having lived in a predominantly Muslim country for many years, I wanted to find a way to pray for my Muslim friends during this season. Prayers of Faith and Hope was written to help guide us in this endeavor. Join me this season to pray for Muslims around the world.

Reflection for Psalm 31:21

Jan 31, 2022 by Leoma G Gilley

Praise the LORD, for he has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love. (Psalm 31:21 NLT)

 

When I was young, I knew about your love.

As I faced various disasters and challenges, I felt your love.

As I moved into new and varied cultures, made mistakes, burned out, I learned of your unfailing love.

As I wait on you, listen for your voice, hear you call my name, I begin to behold the wonder of your unfailing love.

A task unfinished

Jan 24, 2022 by Leoma G Gilley

I have a task and there’s a deadline

Don’t know what the deadline is—

Just that there is one.



 

Happy Birthday, Mom

Happy Birthday, Mom
Dec 24, 2021 by Leoma G Gilley

On this 24th day of December 2021, my precious mother, Frances Mable Christabel Tripp Gilley, would be 103. She left us 10 years ago, and it is hard to believe that much time has passed. I still miss her.

Advent 1

Dec 06, 2021 by Leoma G Gilley

I have a Lover who waits for me;

Offers me love and blessings for free.

He promised any good gift, you see

If I accepted his ransom for me.

Forest Bathing

Forest Bathing
Sep 29, 2021 by Leoma G Gilley
Forest Bathing

I grew up among water and trees
but recently learned forest bathing frees
us from stress, relieves depression, gives rest.

"Come sit with Me at water's edge."
"Maybe later" I always pledge.
But how can I stop? So much to do.
When is there time to follow through?

Prayer, What I Used to Think

Apr 04, 2021 by Leoma G Gilley

I used to think prayer was talking;
Now I know it is more listening.

I used to think prayer was asking;
Now I know it is more receiving.