Wednesday Treasures: Listening to God's Voice

 It's Wednesday..."Hump Day"...mid way through the week...which, when I was a working girl that was always an encouraging thought...and now that I'm still a volunteer "working girl", it's still a pleasant thought, although I must say I don't mind working at our family store, "Dixie Cottage".    It's been a place to meet new people and enjoy seeing them smile when they come inside and are surprised that we have such a nice store in our little town.  And even though people don't always buy something when they come in, it often becomes a place where they feel safe to just talk and unburden themselves for a little while. I always try to provide a listening ear and a welcoming attitude. We've been blessed with people who seem to really appreciate being there and rarely have we had any difficult customers.  Almost had a "cat fight" one time between two of our vendors, but that was settled and they now get along just fine. Working with creative personalities can sometimes be challenging! LOL. 

Speaking of "listening ears"....As most of you are probably already aware, my "One Word" for 2023 is "Listen".     Well, I love the way God finds ways to confirm these word choices throughout the year. I'm sure those of you who choose a word for the new year have perhaps experienced the same thing.  The other day I was able to attend our Ladies' Bible Study. We are starting a new series in the Book of Acts for the New Year, 

and I had missed the first week since we were out of town.  So I received my study guide book on Monday, and as we were reading together the lesson, look at what just leapt out at me from the pages!:

As you can see, I underlined the words Listen and Active Listening as we were reading them together. I had to stop the lady who was reading and share my story about this being my "One Word" for the year, and how God was already showing me that it was His choice and here is one way He was going to help me implement that word in my life!  And look at the title of the study guide:

"Acts...Awakening to God in Everyday Life"....Yes, that is exactly what I wanted my word "Listen" to help me do!  As I listen for God's voice as I study His Word and listen to the voice of His Holy Spirit around me in my everyday life, I pray that I will indeed awaken to His presence in my life every day.

Wow! Isn't God amazing?  I look forward to all the ways He is going to speak to me in this new year...and I pray my ears and heart will be attentive to His voice.  Sometimes it comes to us in ways we never expected...but as we are aware and awake and expectant, we will hear Him calling us.

Okay, that's all I've got for my "Wednesday Treasures" today.  But here's a couple of pictures from my kitchen this morning just to bring a smile:

The amaryllis plant has opened up with three lovely blossoms, and there is a fourth one on the way!

And Lily Grace and her friends are having a little tea party...

And I am gradually changing the kitchen decor from a few Christmas leftovers to tea party time, and then it will be time to decorate for Valentine's Day...I usually wait until February 1st to do that so this is the in between time...

Here is our memory verse for the Bible Study this week:

Acts 1:8 

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Lord, as I listen to Your Voice, may I be obedient and answer Your call to be Your witness throughout all of my Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Wherever You lead me, may I listen and respond with joy and thanksgiving. Amen.