Shirlee Abbott

Our Father’s Green World

Posted on March 13, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

“This is my Father’s world:
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas—
His hand the wonders wrought”
Maltbie D. Babcock, 1901

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My Green Prayer

Posted on March 12, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

Almighty God, I know my actions won’t make or break the planet. But I want to take good care of it, out of gratitude and respect for the wonders of your creation.

Posted in other | Tagged green, prayer | 1 Comment

Whose Green Deal

Posted on March 11, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

What’s your take on the future of our planet?

We’re killing it, inch by inch
It’s come this far, it’ll keep going
I’m OK, and that’s enough for me

Psalm 24:1 (NIV)
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
for he founded it on the seas
and established it on the waters.

Our planet is His planet. He created it. And us. It’s the original green deal.

Posted in other | Tagged earth, green, Psalm 24:1 | 2 Comments

Tornado Shelter

Posted on March 10, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

A week ago, 39 tornados swept across portions of Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina. One tornado injured 97 people and caused 23 deaths in Lee County, Alabama.

“Since Monday, March 4, Samaritan’s Purse has been on the ground in Lee County helping homeowners in Jesus’ Name as communities grieve so much loss.”

Lord, we lift up those who lost possessions, loved ones and their assurance of safety. May they find comfort in the shelter of your love–and in the help from Samaritan’s Purse and other volunteers who care.

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More Is Less

Posted on March 7, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

“The more there is of us, the less there is of God.”
Eugene Peterson (1932-2018)
Transparent Lives

Posted in Lent | Tagged Eugene Peterson, Lent, less | 2 Comments

Less Is Simply Enough

Posted on March 7, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

Proverbs 15:27 (NIRV)
Those who always want more
bring ruin to their households.

Hebrews 13:5
Be happy with what you have.

Good advice from the mouth of God.

Posted in Lent | Tagged Hebrews 13:5, K.I.S.S., less, Provergs 15:27, short and simple | 2 Comments

Less Is More

Posted on March 6, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

This Lent, Lord God, I want less of what pulls my attention away from you. I want more of You.

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Less Woe

Posted on March 5, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

It’s Fat Tuesday, the day of over-indulgence before Lent’s 40 days of preparation and sacrifice begin.

Amos 6:4-6 (MSG)
Woe to those who live only for today . . .
Woe to the playboys, the playgirls,
who think life is a party held just for them!
Woe to those addicted to feeling good—
life without pain!

Try a little under-indulgence, and avoid the “Woe is me!”

Posted in Lent | Tagged Amos 6:4-6, Fat Tuesday, Lent, less | 2 Comments

Less for Lent

Posted on March 4, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

Lent begins this Wednesday, March 6, and ends on April 20, the Saturday before Easter. It’s a time of preparation and sacrifice, reflecting the preparation and sacrifice of Christ’s 40 days in the wilderness. Will you be giving up something for Lent?

• Some kind of food or meal
• Something electronic—games, videos
• Some social media
• I don’t really see the point

Christ didn’t just give up food and water for 40 days. He gave up the glories of heaven for 33 years. Now that’s living with less!

What less can you do for Lent?

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Shelter for Syrian Refugees

Posted on March 3, 2019 by Shirlee Abbott

5.6 million Syrian refugees left their homeland, seeking safety elsewhere. Many of them fled to Lebanon. World Vision works with local Christian churches to meet the needs of these refugees for food, supplies and learning centers for the children. They offer hospitality, acceptance and friendship.

World Vision’s Spring 2019 print magazine features Miled, pastor of one of these congregations:

“Here in Lebanon, Muslims come to us, and we don’t hesitate to help them. As a church, you can’t build walls around you. You have to reach out to the community.”

Let us pray for these churches and their partners in ministry:

Lord, we praise you for this on-the-ground ministry of love. Provide the resources (financial and emotional) to meet the overwhelming needs. We pray for peace in Syria, and the refugees return to their homes. Fill our hearts with the same hospitality and love.

Posted in other | Tagged Lebanon, refugees, Syria, World Vision | Comments Off