Shirlee Abbott

Time to Take a Knee

Posted on September 26, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

Posted in other | Tagged Philippians 2:20, take a knee | 2 Comments

Stepping into the Need

Posted on September 25, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

What would you do in a disaster?

Cower in a corner
Lend a helping hand
Run for my life

Some Christians are called to disaster relief. They train for it, and they head out at the first sign of trouble.

Other Christians unexpectedly find themselves in the path of disaster. Some of them suddenly become disaster relief coordinators, filling a need they never imagined.

Let us pray for our brothers and sisters in Mexico, Dominica, Puerto Rico and other islands who are stepping into great need with more faith than training.

Posted in other | Tagged Dominica, earthquake, hurricane, Mexico, Puerto Rico | 4 Comments

Unexpected Shelter

Posted on September 23, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

Two earthquakes in Mexico in two weeks time: 30 million people felt the earth shake. Where to run? Who can help?

World Vision, an international Christian ministry to the world’s poorest people, for one. World Vision workers already in Mexico stepped up.

“World Vision is working in 12 shelters in Mexico City — providing food and medicine to children and their families. So far, we have also distributed approximately 3 tons of food, 500 pieces of tools, and two electric generators to support rescue efforts. In addition, we are operating two Child-Friendly Spaces and have plans to open another five. World Vision is working with a team of volunteers that include six doctors and 20 psychologists who are providing medical attention and emotional support to children injured or traumatized by the earthquake.”
Read more about the earthquake and World vision here.

Lord, we pray for all the Christian workers in Mexico (and Texas and Florida) who unexpectedly find themselves coordinating safe shelter. Grant them safety, patience, wisdom and energy. May they be your hands and feet in these needy places. Amen.

Posted in other | Tagged disaster relief, Mexican earthquake, World Vision | Comments Off

Grace and Mercy, From and To

Posted on September 22, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

Lord, grant me grace to embrace the best from those who have gone before me and mercy to forgive the worst.

And may those who come after me grant that same grace and mercy onto me.

Posted in other | Tagged ancestors and descendants, grace and mercy | Comments Off

Building a Legacy

Posted on September 21, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT)
So encourage each other
and build each other up.

I want my grandchildren to remember me for who I built up, not what I tore down.

Posted in other | Tagged 1 Thessalonians 5:11, build up, legacy | 2 Comments

A Simple Rule

Posted on September 20, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

Do unto your forefathers
as you would have your
grandchildren do onto you.
(based on Luke 6:31)

Posted in other | Tagged K.I.S.S., Keep it short and simple, Luke 6:31 | Comments Off

Lesson from a Founding Father

Posted on September 19, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

Are we looking to learn the right lessons?

“We should not look back
unless it is to derive useful
lessons from past errors.”
George Washington

Posted in other | Tagged George Washington, history | 2 Comments

Founding Failings

Posted on September 17, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

Lately, some of our founding fathers are being written off because of their failings. What do you think?

It’s only fair
Give ’em a break
I need to think on that

I’ve been thinking . . .

How many protesters are living up to the high ideals they’ve set for those who went before them?

John 8:7 (NLT)
Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!

Posted in other | Tagged Founding Fathers, John 8:7 | Comments Off

Safe Shelter for Vets

Posted on September 17, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

Veterans need safe shelter. Think about it . . .

While the rest of us watch HGTV from our comfortable couches, military personnel serve in some very unsafe places. When their tour of duty is done, they come home. To what?

Some come home with special needs, physical and emotional. Some can’t find space they can afford. Habitat for Humanity’s Veterans Build program focuses on safe, decent, affordable housing. What a worthy cause.

Lord God, we pray for our vets who need safe shelter–physical and emotional. Meet that need for a comfortable home–a place without fear, a place filled with hope. Amen.

Posted in other | Tagged Habitat for Humanity, Safe Shelter, Veterans Build | 2 Comments

Best Defense

Posted on September 14, 2017 by Shirlee Abbott

“From war’s alarms, from deadly pestilence,
be Thy strong arm our ever sure defense.”
Daniel C. Roberts
God of Our Fathers, Whose Almighty Hand, 1876
(written for a Vermont Centennial celebration)

Posted in other | Tagged Daniel C Roberts, God of Our Fathers, God's hand | Comments Off